Obituary of Janice L. Eisert

Janice Louise Bennett-Eisert After living a full life of adventure, Janice Louise Bennett-Eisert, commonly known as “JJ,” passed away at the age of 67 at UPMC Hamot Thursday, Dec. 8, 2016 from a rare blood cancer. Her family was by her side the entire time and was her support system until the end. Born in Bradford, Pa on Oct. 25, 1949, JJ was the daughter of the late Ronald E. Bennett and Alice M. Dougherty. She received her Associate’s degree in English and journalism -- with a minor in psychology -- from Edison State Community College. She was a journalist for several newspapers including; the Wapakoneta News, the Bradford Era, Kane Republican and the Sidney Daily News. Her biggest accomplishment was that she produced nonbiased stories for every paper she ever worked for and “NEVER slandered anyone” in the process. She retired as a national directory assistance operator from GTE/Verizon. She worked there for over 15 years and received several awards for her hard work and dedication to the company. She loved that job because she had the chance to “help several people all over the country over the years.” On Sep. 11, 2001, she received a call from a distraught woman in New York City looking for her mom, to let her know she was ok. JJ was able to calm her down and connect the two distraught family members. JJ was a true “Erieite” and she loved the lake. Her favorite pastime was catching fish off of their boat-the Coul Briz-with her husband and her granddaughter. She loved fishing in both Ohio and PA and won a few fishing awards in PA. They also enjoyed visiting their best friends Carrie and Russel Johnson, in Willow Bay, for the holidays and picnics. She is survived by her loving husband, Joseph C. Eisert, married 22 years. JJ and Joe did everything together, from watching the Steelers games at crowded taverns to driving through the quiet country -- and stopping at the small fruit and vegetable stands -- to going to their campsite to practicing target shooting. Joe says she was an accomplished marksman, especially with pistols; she has even adjusted his scopes for hunting. She and Joe would often visit the casino to play their favorite game – Blackjack. In 2014, JJ was the Presque Isle Downs Casino’s Blackjack tournament winner, which consisted of 150 entrants. JJ could make friends with anyone, anywhere she went. In no time, they would arrive somewhere and within minutes she would be consumed by multiple conversations and she nearly always left with more friends and stories then she came in with. She is also survived by her “fur baby” Snowbell, her son, Harley D. Kah, her daughter Melinda M. Bennett and her son-in-law Steven L. Macasek. Her kids were her life and she did anything she could to help them when they needed it. Her four Grandchildren, Brittiny L. Rafferty, Courtney L. Brown, Victoria M. Kah and Katelynn A. Wiesen, were often referred to as her pride and joy. At every opportunity, she would surround them with love and spoil them with her knowledge and wisdom. Each day her grandchildren strived to become more like their grandma JJ. Other survivors include; her brothers John J. Berryhill, Curtis Bennett and Raymond M. Bennett and her sister Michelle Emrick. Her nephews Scott Bennett, Jason Bennett, Josh M. Berryhill, Jamie L. Berryhill, Jessie D. Berryhill and her nieces are Christy L. Berryhill and Charlotte Bennett. Her beloved Dachshund, Dash, who preceded her in death earlier this year. This lady was one of the most stubborn people in this world, but she was one of the most loving, bravest, toughest and smartest people you could have ever met. Friends may call the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 between the hours of 2 to 6 p.m. A prayer service will take place prior to her interment at Lakeside Cemetery Wednesday at 10 a.m.