Janet A. Ulishney

Janet A. (Heese) Ulishney, 77, of Woodhaven, MI, formerly of Latrobe, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at her home.

Born December 1, 1948, in Latrobe, she was the daughter of the late John K. Heese Sr. and Mary (Horansky) Heese.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her husband, Paul A. Ulishney, on November 14, 2003, and a brother, John K. Heese Jr.

Janet, also known as “Mommy,” leaves behind one daughter, Lynne Anne Ulishney, and Lynne Anne’s two current grand-furry feline girls, Ella (4) and Onyx (1). She is also survived by one brother, Fred T. Heese, and his wife, Bonnie, of Rapid City, SD; one sister, Mary Jane Geary, of Latrobe; and a sister-in-law, Joyce Heese, of Latrobe; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mommy and Daddy, aka, Paul, loved a boisterous double deck pinochle game every night after daddy came home from work. "Kraut", was the old-fashioned nickname Daddy had for Mommy. Paul would say, it's the German in her, stubbornness; and stubborn Mommy was, even up to the end. Stubbornness helped Mommy to survive a lot over her 77years; 2 hip replacements-same hip, Daddy leaving her too soon, septic pneumonia, open heart surgery, and two months ago regular pneumonia. In the end her heart and lungs decided they were finished; their job was done.

No matter how cantankerous Janet was during her life, her heart was always full of love for all cats ever since she was a child herself. All anyone had to do was mention their names, Cinnamon, Smokey, Sydney, Jet, Sultan, most recently Porky, and Janet could talk for hours. Cinnamon was the first cat they had together. Smokey stayed by her side once Lynne Anne went off to college. After moving to MI, Smokey would follow along with her during nightly evening walks with her and their neighbor. Walking side by side down the sidewalk and back home. Sydney became Daddy’s boy, waiting for his peanut snack when he came home from work. Jet, catching a blue jay midair jumping from the front magnolia tree. Mommy made him release it live. The blue jays stopped coming around to tease the cat they once thought was only "inside" behind the sliding glass door. Sultan was her special gray British Shorthair boy who Daddy picked out for her. Lastly was her beloved furry boy, Porky. Mommy rescued Porky from a local shelter adoption visit. He was once a skinny, long black hair furry feline boy, who grew into his name. For 15 years Porky gave Mommy love and comfort after Daddy passed away. Sleeping on her lap for hours. Mommy would have adopted a lot more cats if she could. In the last two years, while Porky was her last cat, she got to enjoy visits with Ella and Onyx when they partook in their "road trips to grandma's". Mommy had numerous past grandma feline visits from Midnight & Moose (M&M), Blackie, Domino & Homer. I would say “we’re going on a road trip to see grandma” when pulling out their carriers. One picture in my annual Christmas card included a picture of Blackie, "packing himself into his carrier", instead of making me chase him around the house. Just last summer Mommy got to meet and enjoy Onyx, my new rescued, 12-week-old kitten running around her apartment, playing, and settling in for a good catnap on her grandma’s lap.

While Daddy preceded Mommy in death 22.5 years ago, Paul was never forgotten; and always close in her heart and home. Daddy will forever be remembered saying, "don't lock me in the closet, Janie, I'll come back and haunt your ass". Mommy honored Daddy's wish. Paul was prominently placed on the fireplace, in different seasons, she placed a different hat on his urn. On her bedroom dresser he stayed while she lived in her apartment. Mommy never saw Daddy during these past 22.5 years, like I did, however, he was always around. Daddy visits me when requested and during times he knows his presence is needed. Daddy makes sure I know he is around. Even during these difficult times. Daddy shows up and supports Mommy and me through these important times. He called shotgun for his final road trip back home; however, this time I got to control the radio station. Mommy’s furry boys were along for the ride, hanging out in the back seat.

As Mommy transitions from her physical life to spiritual life, Daddy, Smokey, Sydney, Sultan, Jet, & Porky's remains are now inside their final resting place, included in Mommy’s casket. They are together eternally. Mommy's final request has been fulfilled.

Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral liturgy at 1 PM on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Unity Chapel, Latrobe, with her nephew, Rev. Daniel Ulishney, officiating. Private interment will follow at Unity Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc., 74 Prairie Lane, Saint Pauls, NC, 28384 (https://www.facebook.com/BlindCatRescue), or consider a Mass intention at your local Catholic Church in memory of Paul and Janet Ulishney. Arrangements are being handled by the Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home, LLC, 601 Weldon Street, Latrobe. To sign the online guest book, send condolences, or share a story, please visit https://www.lopatichbrinker.com/obituaries/Janet-A-Ulishney?obId=47779014