Memorial trees planted for:

Janet M. Silvestri

Janet Marie Silvestri, a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished friend to many, passed away on April 1st, 2026, in hospice care in Defiance, Ohio with her daughters at her side. To know Janet was to know kindness, she moved through life with a quiet selflessness, always putting others before herself, and leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path. Born and raised in Brewster, Ohio, Janet made her home in Defiance, where she and her husband built their life. For years, she served as a teacher’s aide at St. Mary’s Catholic School, where her warmth and dedication touched the lives of every student she encountered. Janet was a devout and faithful Catholic woman, she carried her beliefs not just in prayer, but in every act of kindness she extended to others. Janet had a gift for making people feel like family. The children she welcomed into her home as an at home daycare provider didn’t just pass through, they became her own. Her friends knew her as a travel companion and the kind of woman who made every girl trip one to remember. She loved to knit and was part of a prayer shawl group, where the women she met became some of her closest friends. At home, she was the happiest beaming over her great-grandchildren - her precious “babies” - who brought her immeasurable joy.   Her family called her their God-sent Angel, and it was not hard to see why. Compassionate, loving, and kind to her very core, Janet gave generously of herself without ever asking for anything in return. She was loved deeply and will be missed by more hearts than words can hold. Janet was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gino Silvestri, her parents, Jack and Ruth (Ray) Remenaric, her brothers Ray and Larry Remenaric, and her great-grandson Haden Bevard.  Janet is survived by her daughters Lorie (Chris) Rath, Angela (Tim) Thourot, and Gina (Chris) Frank; her son Louis Rosing; her grandchildren Karrah (Jacob) Rath, Nicholas Rath, Lindsey (Bryon) Bevard, Joshua and Kathryn Thourot, Alli Frank, and Alec (Connor) Frank; and her great-grandchildren Eloise Rath, Lola Stork, Scarlett and Emmett Frank, Joshua, Jadelyn, and Quinn Thourot, and Rylee and Jayce Bevard. She is also survived by her sister Nancy (Richard) Brown, her beloved nieces and nephews, the many families she cared for over the years, and a wide circle of dear friends who loved her well.   She was, in every sense of the word, a blessing. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 8th at St. John Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made to Hospice or the St. Mary’s food pantry.

January 7, 1943 - April 1, 2026

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Janet M. Silvestri

9 Trees have been planted in memory of Janet Silvestri.

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Memorial Trees

Anonymous

April 07, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by Anonymous. Plant a tree

Denise Brown

April 06, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by Denise Brown. Plant a tree

Gina, Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.

Jeanette Baranek and Betty Briggs

April 06, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by Jeanette Baranek and Betty Briggs. Plant a tree

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts

Ella Nafziger

April 05, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by Ella Nafziger. Plant a tree

Dale and Sandy Huffman

April 03, 2026

The planting of 3 memorial trees in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by Dale and Sandy Huffman. Plant a tree

As you grieve know that we are thinking of you

Love Judi and Steve Wordelman

April 03, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by Love Judi and Steve Wordelman. Plant a tree

Dear Family, we loved your mom so much and will genuinely miss her laughter and smiles. We had so much fun together! God Bless all of you in the loss of your mom.

The staff at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc.

April 03, 2026

The planting of 1 memorial tree in the honor of Janet M. Silvestri has been arranged by The staff at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc.. Plant a tree

We plant this tree as a living memorial to Janet. We are deeply sorry for your loss.

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