Janice (Berntsen) Saros

Janice (Berntsen) Saros, 51, died too young after a long courageous battle against cancer. She passed peacefully in her home on February 6th surrounded by her loving family. Janice is survived by her soul-mate, Daniel Saros. In the truest of love-stories, Janice met Dan when she was just fifteen and they have been inseparable ever since. They dated for 7 years before Janice and Dan were married at Holy Cross Church on May 13, 1989, enjoying 28 wonderful years as husband and wife. Their love created two beautiful daughters, Jillian Saros Bonnell (25) and Jamie Saros (23). Janice wanted so badly to see her oldest daughter marry, Ryan Bonnell, and was able to share that beautiful day with her family this past September. Ryan was the son she never had. Janice was a life-long resident of South Bend born on July 1, 1966. Janice is survived by her father, Jerry Berntsen (Gert Brown), sister Mary (Dan) Olguin, brothers Paul (Paula) Berntsen and Mark (Kris) Berntsen. Janice is also survived by her mother and father-in law Marty and Paul Saros, Dan’s brothers Paul (Fran) Saros and Michael (Barb) Saros as well as countless nieces, nephews, and cousins she loved dearly. Janice also had a large group of beloved friends and co-workers, it would be hard to name all of these amazing people but Janice and her family hold you dear in their hearts. Some lifelong friends including Kim Summers, Tracy (Tim) Simmons, Colleen (Pat) McNamara, Carrie Espick, Terry (Keith) Little, Leslie Plonka, Michelle (Chris) Quinn, Tracy Coates, Cheryl Moore, Bob (Laura) Labis, David Gassensmith, Bobby Groning, and Kathy (Chet) Tulley. Janice also loved her fur-babies dearly, who never left her side. She is preceded in death by her beloved mother Ann Berntsen, cousin Andy Vandermotten, great-grandmother Bessie Royce, Aunt Mary Q Vandermotten, friend Tim Hewitt, and so many other beautiful souls.

Janice graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1984 with some pretty incredible classmates that remained in her life throughout the years.  Graduating from Memorial School of Nursing in 1988, Janice went on to work as a nurse all throughout the area, making an everlasting impact on countless patients, co-workers, and families lives. Janice worked in the Emergency Room, Critical Care, Pediatrics, Mother-Baby, Med-flight, and prior to her diagnosis, the Center for Hospice; who in turn took amazing care of her up until the end. She dedicated her life to others and absolutely adored her co-workers throughout the years. Many have said her smile, laugh, and upbeat personality made working with her memorable and shifts so much more fun. Janice’s laugh is something that will live on and be a cherished memory for so many. She could light up any room by just being there.

Janice was the definition of love, happiness, and living life to the fullest. Over the years, Janice started many small businesses including Poop-in-Flingers and Funky Elegance. Janice enjoyed making jewelry and you can see her pieces all over the area as many would ask to buy a necklace off her neck prior to opening Funky Elegance. She was an avid karaoker, loved a good bloody mary with olives, and always had room for a chocolate dessert. She loved a good night out with her husband and friends. Back in the day, Janice and Dan loved to shoot darts and throw a good pool-party. Janice and Dan will always be remembered for their massive 4th of July parties.  Janice loved to spoil her two girls. Dan always referred to them as the “three J girls”. Their families close bond and Jan/Dan’s true love story was admired by many. She will be forever remembered for her strong spirit, will to live and live life fully, and her fight for more time with her loved ones.

An open celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 10th at Kaniewski’s Funeral Home on 3545 Bendix Drive in South Bend from 1-8 pm with a small prayer service at 1 pm.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family of Dan Saros to be used for funeral and medical costs.

Janice’s beautiful soul, contagious laugh, and memory will be eternal.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice (Berntsen) Saros, please visit our floral store.