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February 9, 2013

Kathleen Ann (Ryan Janusko) “Kathy” Summers

On February 6, 2013, Kathleen Ann (Ryan Janusko) “Kathy” Summers, 49, of Lebanon, and Treasure Island, Fla., formerly of the Shenango Valley, Pa., fulfilled her earthly duties and was called to heaven by her Maker.

Kathy’s unwavering will to live gave her strength during a one year battle with cancer and remained with her until she was able to free her soul into the peace and tranquility of eternal life. Her motto, “I am not dying from cancer; I am living with cancer until I die,” was the foundation by which she lived during her fight.

Kathy was born on Aug. 29, 1963, in Sharon, Pa., to Philip J. and Marjorie A. (Walsh) Ryan. She was a 1981 graduate of the former Kennedy Christian High School, Hermitage, Pa. She attended Slippery Rock University, Slipper Rock, Pa., and later graduated from Cheena’s Beauty Academy, Sharpsville, Pa.

During her youth, Kathy was an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Sharon, and prior to leaving the Shenango Valley, was a member of the Church of Notre Dame Parish in Hermitage.

She was formerly employed at Bianco’s Beauty Salon in Sharon, Raphael’s Beauty Supply in Hermitage, and the former F.H. Buhl Club in Sharon. For the past five years she was the office manager at Greg’s Diesel Service, the business she co-owned with her husband, with locations in Lebanon, as well as Tampa and Miami, Fla. Kathy’s work ethic was unparalleled, and for her there was no greater career joy than the 17 years she spent as a nursery, preschool, gymnastics and cheerleading instructor and later administrative assistant at the ‘Buhl Club.’ The outpouring of support she received throughout the past year from former students and friends of the Buhl community brought her more joy, solace and validation for her years of service than words can express. She felt truly blessed to have touched so many lives through her work.

Kathy loved to travel, especially to warm climates where she could enjoy the beaches and sunshine. She was an avid reader and landscape gardener, loved to scour flea markets and most importantly savored time spent with family and friends where laughter and ‘expecting the unexpected’ was the normal while in her presence. She was always known for her sense of fashion and impeccable appearance and was even more beautiful on the inside than she radiated on the outside.

She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of two years, James (Greg) Summers of Lebanon; a daughter, Jacquelyn Janusko and her companion Kingsley Evarts of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two sons, Michael Janusko of St. Augustine, Fla., and Ryan Janusko of Chicago, Ill.; stepdaughters, April (Kevin) Hyde and Amber Summers; grandchildren, Halle Brandt and Brookle Brandt; and her parents, Philip and Marjorie Ryan of Sharpsville; and three sisters, Dr. Lynn (James) Williams of New Wilmington, Pa., Mrs. Judy (Paul) Radkowski of West Middlesex, Pa., and Mrs. Maureen (Daniel) Goncz of Hermitage. In addition, she is also survived by her loving in-laws and many nieces and nephews, each one of whom loved and adored their “Aunt Kathy”.

Kathy’s life would seem too short by many, but for those who were touched by her incessant appetite for living understand that the quality of her existence far exceeded the quantity of time by which she graced this Earth. Her beautiful smile, contagious laughter and enthusiasm for truly making the most of each moment will forever remain within the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She would often remind those around her to “breathe” in both good times and bad, always looking forward to the possibility of greater things to come and become. Her final wish, for her loved ones to “live life, never stop laughing and be brave enough to take chances,” will never be lost or forgotten; her spirit and grace will thrive for eternity.

At her request, memorial contributions may be made to the Buhl Community Recreation Center, 28 N. Pine Ave., Sharon, PA 16146.

Strawmyer & Drury Mortuary, 2400 N. Lebanon St., Lebanon, has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.strawmyerdrury.com.

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