Janice Lojko Obituary (2026)- – Rocky Hill, CT
Janice Lojko, 87, of Newington, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, on November 11, 1938, to the late Raphael Tedesco and Louis Schinelli. Janice was predeceased by her beloved husband of 65 years, Stanley Lojko. She spent her childhood in Hartford with her mother and brothers. Janice met the love of her life, Stanley, and they were married in May 1960. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Newington, where they raised their children and enjoyed many family gatherings—especially time spent together in their backyard.
Before retiring 26 years ago, Janice was employed as a Customer Service Representative at The Travelers Insurance Company in Hartford for over 25 years. Janice led, at times, a difficult but truly extraordinary life. She was a devoted daughter and sister who always cared for her mother and brothers during challenging times. As a child, Janice, along with her mother and brothers, survived the Great Hartford Circus Fire of 1944 by escaping through a hole cut in the tent with the help of a bystander. She was affectionately known as the “favorite chaperone” on her children’s high school music trips and continued to be invited even after her children graduated. Janice and Stanley especially enjoyed vacations to Miami, Florida, and Disney World, most often traveling with their children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories together. Watching her grandchildren grow and succeed brought her tremendous joy throughout her life.
A devout Catholic, Janice was a faithful member of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Newington for more than 50 years, serving also as a Eucharistic Minister. Known for her kindness, compassion, and generosity, Janice always made others feel welcome and never hesitated to help those in need, especially by donating to countless charities. In addition to her parents and husband, Janice was predeceased by her daughter, Beth Donovan, and her brothers, Douglas Schinelli, Billy Schinelli, David Schinelli, and Jim Sutherland. She is survived by her loving sons, Jeff Lojko and his wife Maria of Wethersfield, and Doug Lojko and his wife Deb of Kensington; her son-in-law, Jim Donovan of Glastonbury; and her cherished grandchildren: Erika Zdru and her husband Jared, Alex Lojko and his wife Laura, Daniel Lojko and his wife Alyssa, Alyssa Caro and her husband Christian, Nick Lojko and his wife Brooke, and Riley Donovan. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Ivy and Luca Stanley Caro. We also would like to thank the staff at Autumn Care facility in New Britain, as well as Peter from Hospice care, for the exceptional care for Janice over the last 4 months.
