Janet Sharpnack

Janet  Sharpnack (nee Soens), 81, of Vermilion, died Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Mercy Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.

She was born January 26, 1942 in Racine, WI and had been a Vermilion resident for the past 59 years moving from WI.

Janet graduated from the University of Wisconsin and moved to Ohio to work for Columbia Gas. She settled in Vermilion after meeting her husband, and worked as a substitute teacher for Vermilion Schools prior to joining her husband at the family Chevrolet Oldsmobile dealership later becoming, Sharpnack Auto Family.  She also served as secretary of the Vermilion Lagoons Association for over 25 years.

She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Parish, Vermilion, Vermilion Boat Club where she was a member for over 55 years, Vermilion Yacht Club, Crew's Nest, and Catawba Island Club, but her favorite group was the famous Bridge Club, where she met her dearest friends, many over 55 years ago! She enjoyed playing tennis, boating, skiing, golfing, dancing, and traveling.  Janet and her husband, Joe, wintered at Riverbend in Tequesta, FL for the last 20 years, traveled all 50 states and over 25 countries and would often be the last two to leave the dance floor at any event…which is very symbolic of how they lived life! Janet was a vibrant woman that represented an energetic and positive force in many people’s lives.

She is survived by her son, Joseph "Jay" ( Stephanie) Sharpnack, III of Bay Village; daughter, Susan Sharpnack of Vermilion; grandchildren, Allison, Joe, and Sophie Sharpnack, and Andrew "A.J." and Alex  Dunn; sister, Shirley (Dale) Rider of Maitland, FL; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Ralph Sharpnack, Jr. in 2021 and her parents Herbert and Irene M. (nee Sand) Soens.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 2:30 pm until the time of a prayer service at 3:30 p.m. at the Riddle Funeral Home, 5345 South Street, Vermilion, Ohio. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at 4:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 731 Exchange Street, Vermilion, OH 44089.  Private interment will take place at Brownhelm Cemetery. In the spirit of Jan, the family asks you to wear vibrant colors to celebrate her life!!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to: The Sharpnack Family Memorial Scholarship Fund,  c/o of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, 9080 Leavitt Rd., Elyria, OH 44035 (peoplewhocare.org/funds)..

Online condolences may be made at www.riddlefuneralhome.com.