Janie Palazzo Ponzica

Over a century ago, in the small, but ever-growing town of Bryan, Texas, the youngest of 10 children was born to Charles and Frances (Marino) Palazzo. Although “Annie John” was her official name, it would soon be shortened to “Janie”.

Janie grew up on Marino Road, and as the youngest sibling, she was in charge of bringing water to her family as they worked the cotton fields. Life was not easy at that time. There was no air conditioning, nor indoor plumbing. Kerosene lamps lit the way once the sun went down.

Although she loved her Sicilian family dearly, Janie would eventually leave the country and start a new life in the big city. Her strong Catholic faith kept her grounded, as did her positive attitude. Holding a special bond with each and every brother and sister, over the years she would make it a point to go back and visit them. Her brother-in-law, Robert Ramirez (Uncle Robert), was always ready to pick her up at the bus stop, rain or shine! She would visit each sibling, and they would talk and laugh until all hours of the night! Eventually, the “Palazzo Reunion” would become an annual event, still going on to this day!

Janie loved to cook and bake for her family. Always coming up with new recipes, she couldn’t wait to share with her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren! Sunday gatherings after church were the best! She would spoil us with her big pans of homemade lasagna, chicken enchiladas, or fried shrimp and “puppie-hush” dinners! Of course we cannot forget her famous Raisin Pies, Pecan Pies, Peach Cobbler, and “Heavenly Hash” Chocolate Cakes! Her love for St. Joseph was evident every year when she would prepare her famous Fig Cookies for the Altars, hand-grinding figs and raisins like it was nothing!

With her blue eyes and infectious smile, Janie will be missed deeply by everyone who knew her. She was one-of-a-kind, and as they say, “They don’t make ‘em like that anymore”.

Janie is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Josie Marie Church (Joe), her parents Charles and Frances (Marino) Palazzo, her loving brothers and sisters Luke Palazzo, Br. Joseph Palazzo, Steve Palazzo, Charley Palazzo, Jr., Nita Patranella, Mary Boultinghouse, Lucille Basco, Betty Duchmasclo, and Carmela Ramirez.

She is survived by her son Lee Ponzica (Bernadine), her grandchildren: Vicki Cangelosi (Tony), Paul Ponzica (Nina), Michael Ponzica (Van), Lee Church, Christopher Ponzica (Amanda), and Joseph Church. Her great-grandchildren: Tony Cangelosi, Jr, Valeri Cangelosi, Ryan Ponzica, Lauren Ponzica, Aiden Ponzica, Mia Ponzica, Nicholas Ponzica, Dean Ponzica, Nolan Ponzica, Jordan Ponzica, Reagan Ponzica, Dylan Ponzica.

Pallbearers : Paul Ponzica, Michael Ponzica, Lee Church, Christopher Ponzica, Joseph Church, Tony Cangelosi, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers: Sam Ruffino, Tony Cangelosi, Sr.