Janice Monahan, 83, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, following a brief illness.

Born on July 21, 1942, in Huntington Station, NY, Janice was the cherished daughter of the late Alfons Gehrlein and the late Janet (Kanne) Gehrlein. She grew up in Lindenhurst, graduating from Lindenhurst High School in 1961 before beginning a career as a stewardess for TWA, the first chapter in a lifetime defined by adventure, independence, and service.

After living in Jackson Heights and Staten Island, Janice settled in Port Jervis, NY, in 1979 with her four children. She spent the next four decades building a life rooted in family, friendship, and community involvement. A woman of capability, she earned both her New York State Insurance and Real Estate licenses. She worked for Goldman's Insurance and later for James Reyle of State Farm Insurance in Port Jervis. She retired to embrace one of her greatest joys: the birth of her grandson, Finnegan.

Janice’s spirit of service was best reflected in her decades of dedication to the Deerpark Lions Club. Joining in 1980, she served as President, Treasurer, and Secretary. A trailblazer, Janice began her service before women were formally allowed to serve alongside men in 1987. She also held numerous positions with the Orange County Sight and Hearing Foundation and served on the board of the New York State Lions Eye Bank in Albany. Her work with LiveOnNY inspired many to become organ donors, and she was well-known locally for her volunteer work at the Soap Box Derby and various events throughout the community.

Janice is survived by her brother, Alfons Gehrlein Jr.; her children, Paul Monahan, Kathryn (Matthew) McCormack, and Gary Monahan; and her cherished grandchildren, Nicholas Caizza, Finnegan McCormack (Kendall Madison), Payton Monahan, and Carrigan McCormack. She is also survived by her niece, Lorraine (David) Hunt; her nephew, Robert (Jennifer) Gehrlein and their children, Nathan, Jarod, and Julia; many cousins within the Gehrlein and Cardell families; her dearest friends, Bobbi Hraba and Janet Sweeny; and her faithful companion, Kitty. Janice was predeceased by her longtime companion, Herb Eckes.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Bon Secours Community Hospital for the compassionate care Janice received over the years.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27th, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771. A private cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

- The Deerpark Lions Club — Janice Monahan Memorial Scholarship

- The Humane Society of Port Jervis / Deerpark

Arrangements are entrusted to the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home of Port Jervis, NY.