JoAnn Janas Obituary

Dr. JoAnn S. Janas, a beloved spouse, devoted physician, and compassionate healer, passed away peacefully with her wife Wendy and Nurse Dee by her side on April 12, 2026.  JoAnn was born January 8, 1947. She lived a life defined by intelligence, dedication, and deep care for others.

Dr. Janas grew up in Ithaca, NY. She completed her undergraduate degree at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley MA, graduating Magna Cum Laude with Distinction. She received her medical degree from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, and completed a five-year residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. She went on to become a highly respected specialist in Transfusion Hematology, making meaningful contributions to her field and to the care of many. She worked at Rochester General Hospital as the Director of Hematology and Transfusion Services.

Dr. Janas served as the Director of Laboratories at Myers Community Hospital, Sodus, NY, from 1988-1993. She served as Associate Medical Director at the American Red Cross Blood Services, New York-Penn Region, Northeastern Pennsylvania Region, West Henrietta, NY, from 2001-2013.

Additional appointments included serving as Clinical Assistant Professor of Pathology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Program, Rochester Institute of Technology. 

Dr. Janas belonged to many professional societies. Phi Beta Kappa, American Society of Clinical Pathologist, American Association of Blood Banks and the Blood Banks Association of New York State. She also served on numerous committees and Boards throughout her career and had numerous publications.

Dr. Janas’s work reflected not only her exceptional knowledge, but also her quiet determination to improve the lives of those she served. She approached medicine with precision, passion, integrity and an unwavering sense of responsibility.  

JoAnn was a woman of warmth, strength, and authenticity. She shared a loving and committed marriage with her wife. Their partnership was a sense of deep mutual respect and joy.

JoAnn faced Breast Cancer with courage, strength and dignity; meeting the challenges of her illness with grace, resilience, and honesty.

Dr. Janas will be remembered not only for her contributions to medicine but for the kindness she extended to the lives she touched and the love she gave. Her presence brought calm, clarity and strength to those around her.

JoAnn will forever be deeply missed and forever cherished by her wife, close friends, colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

JoAnn leaves behind her wife Wendy Webb, sister Sue Parkhurst (Ron), brother Steven Janas (Janet), and nephew Dr. Christopher Parkhurst (Alissa), as well as many wonderful friends.

Wendy would like to thank the Hospice staff of Rochester Regional, as well as the Hildebrandt staff and nurses, who unconditionally, unwavering, met JoAnn at each step of her journey.

At JoAnn’s request, there will be no services. JoAnn’s ashes will be released in Penobscot Bay, Maine, a special place for her and Wendy.

Please make contributions to the Hildebrandt Hospice Care Center (2652 Ridgeway Ave, Rochester, NY 14626) or to Lollypop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester (99 Victor Rd, Fairport, NY 14450)