Janelle Clarisse Banda

Janelle Clarisse Banda, beloved daughter of Marcie Steckel and David Banda, was born in Mesa, Arizona on October 17, 1992. From the beginning, family was at the center of her life. She deeply loved her sister, Sarah Banda, and found joy in being a loving aunt to Lilianne Banda Monk. Even in her younger years, Janelle connected deeply with others, bringing joy and laughter wherever she went. Her warmth, curiosity, and love for the people around her gave a glimpse of the thoughtful, caring, and determined person she would grow to be. Those early qualities became the foundation that guided her in her education, her career, and the passions she pursued throughout her life.

Janelle graduated from Arizona State University in 2016 with a dual Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Finance. From an early age she excelled academically, was a member of the Honor Society, and was known for her intelligence and career-driven spirit. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a financial consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton. She later returned to Arizona to be close to her family, while also pursuing her entrepreneurial passions by starting her own e-commerce business. Her online storefront reflected her dedication to a holistic and healthy lifestyle, a passion that she joyfully shared with others.

Janelle was an adventurous soul who loved hiking and exploring nature. She found peace and spirituality in the beauty of the earth, whether through gemstones, crystals, flowers, trees, or mountains. Her passion for a holistic and healthy lifestyle reflected her desire to live with balance and connection. She had a deep love for animals, especially her dog Pola and the many family pets she cherished over the years. Creativity was also at the heart of who she was. Through her own art and the meaningful items she collected, Janelle expressed her unique spirit, imagination, and individuality. She was deeply devoted to her family, always checking in on her sister, her niece, her parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and she enjoyed bringing joy and laughter to her friends. In her later years, Janelle sought to reconnect with her faith in God and her love for Jesus, returning to the spiritual foundation that she had grown up with. She will be remembered as a caring, delicate, and one-of-a-kind soul whose love and presence will be deeply missed.