Anju (Thomas) Jana

Anju Jana, 81, of Murrysville, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 6, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Kerala, India, on October 14, 1942, Anju was the eldest daughter in a close-knit family of seven. She was the first in her family to immigrate to the United States, a courageous move that paved the way for five of her six siblings and their families to follow her.

Anju began her career in nursing at just twenty years old, graduating as the salutatorian of her class. She went on to become the head nurse at the very hospital where she met her future husband, Barid Baran Jana. Together, they built a life in the United States, where Anju managed her husband’s medical practice while also raising their two sons, Ajoy and Rajiv. Anju balanced her many roles with grace and strength, all the while providing a warm and nurturing home for her family.

Anju’s greatest joy came from being a grandmother, and she cherished the arrival of her five grandchildren, Bethany, Alex, Ryan, Emily, and Olivia. She was deeply devoted to each of them, offering unwavering love and support. Known for her incredible home-cooked meals, Anju shared her love through food, with her biriyani as a family favorite. Her talents and passions extended beyond the kitchen; she enjoyed swimming and had a keen interest in and talent for investing.

A woman of deep faith and generosity, Anju always prioritized the well-being of those around her. She found particular joy in the month of November: the month of her marriage, the birth of her second son, and Thanksgiving—a holiday she believed was the most important because it brought family together to give thanks to God.

Anju is survived by her beloved husband, Barid Baran Jana; two sons, Ajoy (Laura) Jana and Rajiv (Monika) Jana; and her cherished grandchildren, Bethany (Tristan) Jana-Vratil, Alex, Ryan, Emily, and Olivia Jana. She is also survived by six siblings, Ammini (Prakash) Dalal, Marykutty (John) Varghese, Leelamma (Abraham) Thomas, Valsamma (Thankachen) Philip, Jose (Kochumol) Thomas, Prasad (Shirley) Thomas, and many nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, September 8, 2024, at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., 3103 Lillian Avenue, Murrysville, PA, 15668.  A Blessing Service will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, September 9, 2024, at the funeral home, followed by interment at Plum Creek cemetery.  For online condolences, please visit www.hartfuneralhomeinc.com.

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