Janica Wessman Zell Obituary (2025)

Janica Wessman-Zell, 71, of Sparks, passed away peacefully on April 27,2025 after a lengthy illness. She was home with her husband Mike by her side. Janica was born at Saint Mary's Hospital on February 17, 1954 to Jim and Jean Wessman. She was a lifelong resident of Sparks, graduating from Sparks High School in 1972. She graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno and was employed by Washoe County Juvenile Services for 34 years. Janica had a smile that was contagious and it was always there for her friends and family! She will be remembered by her family and all her friends for being such a strong and hard working woman, loving wife, mom, grandparent, aunt and sister!! She was definitely known for putting her children first, never hesitating to make sure they had her love and support. In her early years, Janica enjoyed dancing, gymnastics, hiking, camping and going to the ocean with her family. Every summer, the family enjoyed time at the Wessman family cabin in Jarbidge and traveling to Fort Bragg for many beach vacations. Growing up with two brothers and a mechanic father, Janica had a fondness for fast cars (if she was driving) and was very proud of the line of Chevy Camaros that she drove. She was very proud of delivering her AVON in a Camaro, and not an “old person” car. In later years, she enjoyed traveling; visiting Hawaii many times, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Caribbean and Europe. Summer weekends were spent at the property in Johnsville, hiking, fishing, kayaking and playing golf in Graeagle (she never kept score) and traveling to the wine country. Janica is survived by her husband, Mike, brother, Jim(Cyndee), two children, Angelina Hiatt and Gavin Parola, grandchildren, Alexis(Isaac) and AJ , and great grandchildren, Paysin and Juniper as well as several nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Jim and Jean Wessman, brothers Jeffrey and most recently, Jerry. She will be dearly missed and always in our hearts. The family will have a Celebration of Life at a future date.