Janice is survived by her husband of forty years Michael Leary, three daughters Megan Leary, Erin Harwell (Ryan Sr.), and Seana Leary, 5 grandchildren Morgan, Jaydan, and Jameson LaTour, Ryan Jr. and Alanna Harwell, her brother Kevin McDonnell (Kristin) and sister Mariann McDonnell. She is preceded in death by her father Frank and mother Laverne McDonnell, also of Stockton, Ca. Janice will be remembered by her extended family and friends including Steve St. Pierre, Kameron McDonnell, Zoe McDonnell, Tammie Murrell. Janice was loved for her big heart and independent spirit. She was devoted to her family and loved travel, campouts with her horses and grandchildren and friends.
Janice was born on October 19, 1955 in Stockton California to Frank and Laverne McDonnell. She married Michael Leary, her high school sweetheart, in 1978. Janice received a BA in Education from UC San Francisco and an MA in Special Education from the University of the Pacific. Janice was an educator for Stockton Unified School District Walton Special Center for more than thirty years. At Walton Janice helped students with severe disabilities learn and grow. Janice also founded Professional Evaluations and Developmental Services (PEDS) along with her business partners, Kathleen Bowman, Lisa Drake, and Melody Murray. Together these exceptional women built PEDS to provide education and development services to students to help them develop to their fullest potential.
Visitation will be held at DeYoung Shoreline on Wednesday, April 3rd from 1-6pm with a rosary to follow from 6-7pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10am Thursday, April 4th at St Luke’s Catholic Church with a reception to follow. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Janice’s life.
