Janet Eleanor Bellich

Janet Eleanor Bellich, of Bloomington, IL passed away on May 31st, 2026 surrounded by love with her husband, son, and daughter present. A graveside memorial service will be held Friday, June 19, at 10 a.m., at Lower York Cemetery, Thomson, IL. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Mara Elephants, or the World Wildlife Fund.

Born on February 10, 1951, she spent her early childhood in Culver, Indiana, later moving to Wheaton, IL where she graduated from Wheaton Central Highschool and later Illinois State University, cementing strong friendships that endured for a lifetime. This is also where she met her husband of over five decades, Patrick Bellich. They were married on June 29th, 1974 and built a beautiful life in Bloomington-Normal. The two later welcomed two children to which Janet was an unwavering supporter of their varied interests and pursuits.

Jan loved time outside and growing beautiful things in her gardens, as well as a quiet moment with a good book. She will be remembered by her loved ones when enjoying a sweet bite – as she firmly believed dessert was to be enjoyed and not saved, eaten alongside the meal and not after.

A loving mother and wife, Janet enjoyed music and travel, cherishing time laughing with close friends and family. She will always be known as an excellent cook and an advocate for the vulnerable, especially animals. Every trip to the beach will be laced with her memory – she always found peace in the lapping waves of the ocean.

Janet will be deeply missed and forever remembered with an infinite amount of love by her husband, Pat; son, Mike Bellich, of Morrison, IL; daughter, Karly (Nick) Ninedorf, of St. Louis, MO, and their two children lovingly referred to as “the grands”; sister, Karen (Tom) Schum, of Ridgway, CO; sisters-in-law, Louann (Tom) Hoch, of Thomson, IL and Kathie (Randy) Temple, of Fulton, IL; and brother-in-law, Joe (Kelley) Bellich, of Thomson, IL. Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Eleanor Zechial, and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Emil and Rosalie Bellich.