Janice Holyoak, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister and aunt returned home to her loving Father in Heaven on Wednesday, July 22, 2020. Janice was at her daughter’s home in Seabrook, Texas, surrounded by her family.
Janice has four children and six grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her father, Oscar DeGraff; mother, Gertrude DeGraff; and daughter, Jacienda; as well as one brother and two sisters.
She is survived by: her children, Trudy Iaccino, Melvin (Jim) and Andrea; grandchildren, Miranda, Natasha and Sabrina Iaccino, Ambrose, Jorja and Carma Austin; as well as one brother and two sisters.
Janice taught elementary school at Holbrook ISD for 35 years. She loved educating and was thrilled as the children she taught grew up and sent their children to be taught by her. Compliments from former students brought her an unparalleled joy.
After retiring from HISD, she loved to travel to visit friends and relatives and did as much as she could. Her 25 yearlong battle with breast cancer minimized the amount of traveling she could do but plans for future travel strengthened and uplifted her in the difficult phases of cancer treatment.
We love and admire her strength and tenacity. She was truly a very resilient person, who navigated a very challenging life and learned to find the joy in even the most difficult situations. Her resiliency was an example for her children and inspiration to those who knew her.
Graveside funeral services for Janice will be conducted Friday morning, July 31, 2020, at 11:00 a.m., in the Emery Cemetery.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.
