It is with unbearable sadness and through tears that we announce the passing of Jane Fazio, better known as "Aunt Janie", on May 18, 2024 at the age of 64 after a late-stage cancer diagnosis. She passed in peace surrounded by her family. 

Aunt Janie was born in Buffalo, NY, to Santa 'Sue' and Anthony 'Tony' Fazio. She grew up in Tonawanda where she reminisced fondly of the snow days home from school in her youth; skipping school in her teens with her twin sister Judy to walk to boardwalk on Beaver island (ice cream and soda in hand, of course); and her many trips to the famous Niagara Falls. In her twenties she moved to Arizona, where her free-spirit days lived on. Lake days turned into nights out dancing, and weekends were filled with shopping with her older sister Patricia (Pat). She dabbled in different industries at first- working as a secretary for a construction company and as a waitress alongside Judy at an Arizona staple, Organ Stop Pizza. But she ultimately found a career as a Drafter for the state's largest power supplier, the Salt River Project. She spent over 30 years there, which means 30 years of driving to work with the windows down and the wind blowing through her fantastic 70s hair in her corvette-of-the-day. 

In 2011, her life was forever changed when Judy passed away unexpectedly, and she was suddenly met with her two children, Britni and Kristin. She never intended to have kids, but the joke was on her, and here they were! The next few years were four people and six dogs in a small 1200 sq ft house, just trying to figure it out. From having grape fights in the hallway, to playing endless pranks on each other, to dealing with the kids turning the house into a college-style gathering house, to plotting new ways to scare one another, to playing 'wingwoman' multiple times, and the kids getting her kicked out of the casino, Aunt Janie took it all in effortless stride accompanied by her falsetto laugh and 1000W smile. She was the 'cool aunt', rocking her full and half sleeves. She was the one everyone wanted to be around. The death of her sister also brought her back in touch with an old friend, Michael. Michael and Jane fell in love and after several wonderful years, got married and continued making memories traveling trailer-style. In 2017, Aunt Janie became "grammy" to Britni's daughter, Mila, who she found endless joy in spoiling. Bubbles today, croquet tomorrow, and a new doll house the next day! 

Aunt Janie was most known for her generosity, her kindness, her loyalty, her bubbly personality, her go-with-the-flow 'it all comes out in the wash' attitude, her open-pantry policy, and, of course, her vibrant nails. If you needed something, she would get you two of it. She was not just the shirt-off-her-back type, but her entire wardrobe (including sewing/fixing any clothes that had holes), food, a place to stay, and a spot in the family type. She routinely donated goods to nearby dog shelters, and she never met a dog she didn't like. She often spoke of wanting to volunteer at an animal shelter. 

The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, you consider making a donation to the Best Friends Animal Society in her name. Best Friends is a nonprofit organization that operates the nation's largest sanctuary for homeless animals with a mission to end kill-shelters in America.

Aunt Janie is survived by her husband Michael; her sister Pat (does casino luck pass on?); her unasked for kids/nieces Britni and Kristin; her (basically) granddaughter Mila; her two dogs Milo and Skittles (she can hear the barking from Heaven); her cat Emma (her favorite, but don't tell anyone); and her two frogs, Thelma and Louise (the fish didn't make it!).

Aunt Janie’s Celebration of life will occur on Friday, June 14th, from 11am-1pm (Arizona time) at the Val Vista Lakes Clubhouse Chad Morrissey West Wing in Gilbert. Please enter through the main (large) entrance and take an immediate left into the West Wing entrance. Please dress casually, Aunt Janie wasn’t that serious! Light refreshments and snacks will be provided.

Please bring your stories and photos to share. The microphone will be free for anyone to share stories, but if you would like to give a formal eulogy, please let Kristin know. We know Aunt Janie provided decades of great, colorful, memories to innumerable friends and family, and we'd love for you to share your stories, pictures, and videos here and at the celebration. 

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