Jan E. Leonardi

Jan E. Leonardi (Nee Koelliker) – Age 70, born June 9, 1951, passed away on December 21, 2021, after a brief battle with Lung Cancer. Jan was born in New Castle, PA and was raised in Brook Park, Ohio. As a child she loved when her PA family came in for long weekends; she often recalled the non-stop laughter of their crowded house and the sheer happiness of being surrounded by the people she loved. Most of her favorite childhood/early adult memories were spent camping at Aurora Lake, the place she met the love of her life, Ken. They met at the age of 12 and became best friends over time. At the sweet age of 16, her father playfully grounded her for not allowing Ken to take her on a date. Three years later they married and eventually bought a house in Solon. This was the home where they lovingly raised two children and she happily lived out the rest of her years.

Jan was one of the most loving and generous people ever; honestly, the sweetest soul. Nothing made her happier than making big meals, often her famous spaghetti, for a house full of family/friends. She was a natural born nurturer; she took in her beautiful mother and grandmother when they could no longer care for themselves. Twice she temporarily moved in with her daughter’s family when there were complications with pregnancies. Jan loved the holiday’s and made them special for everyone. She decorated from floor to ceiling and loved to bake! She had a saw to cut wood for crafts, painted and sewed. She loved to garden. Jan greeted everyone with the warmest hugs. She was an amazing listener and great friend; sitting at her kitchen table having heart to heart conversations with loved ones will be missed greatly. Her laugh was contagious, one that would put everyone around into a belly laugh with her. Jan cherished doting on Ken and Maizy (dog). She would even sew Maizy’s favorite toys back together so she could keep them longer. Her grandchildren meant the world to her; there is no doubt her beautiful light will be carried on through them. Jan conquered the fear of swimming in her last months during a visit to Sanibel Island. She learned floating in the clear Gulf waters brought a beautiful contentment. She often stated “you can be no closer to God then when you are surrounded by nature”. She lived a simple and peaceful life and will forever be missed.

Jan was the beloved wife of 51 years to Ken Leonardi; loving mother to Joyce Cardillo(Carmen) and Kenny Leonardi(Kim); cherished grandmother to Cody, Alecea, Nikolas, Anthony, and Ryan; dear sister to Joy Fallaro; loving niece to Karen Pfaller; and adoring daughter to the late Russ Koelliker and Dorothy Dufala (Bill). There are many other close-knit family and friends who miss her greatly.