Janis Carol Artus Morandi
Our beloved mother passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026 at Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, Florida, at the age of 86. She resided in Venice, Florida.
Born in Covington, Louisiana, Janis was the sixth child of Ruby Williams Artus and Frank Clarence Artus Sr. A graduate of Covington High School, she carried throughout her life the warmth, resilience, and quiet strength that reflected her Southern roots. While working as a telephone operator in Indianapolis, she met the love of her life, Richard James Morandi. They were married on June 1, 1962, and together built a loving home in Nokomis, Florida, where they raised their family. Janis’ greatest joy was her family. She expressed her love through kindness, generosity, and unwavering devotion, always making others feel welcomed, cared for, and valued. Her gentle spirit, warm smile, and compassionate heart touched everyone who knew her. The qualities she imparted in her children and everyone she met through her interactions were perseverance faith, hope, and unconditional love. These qualities will forever remain her lasting legacy.
She is lovingly survived by her children: Rick Morandi (the late Sipun), Carolyn Hart (the late Jon), Susan Hochuli (Tim), Rob Morandi (Becca), Jim Morandi (Shelley), Annie Lesperance (Jean), and Mary Morandi. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Chanel Vanzant Garrand (Zach), Megan Morandi, Anthony Morandi, Neeko Vanzant, Sierra Morandi, Ethan Morandi, Luke Hughes, Jennifer Malcom, Jason Villafane, Jessica Villafane, and Jessica Lesperance. She was also blessed to know the joy of her great-grandchildren: Harper Victoria Brown, Josiah Vanzant Garrand, and Levi Vanzant Garrand. She is lovingly remembered by many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
Janis was preceded in death by her beloved son, Paul Joseph Morandi; her beloved daughter, Cynthia Diane Morandi; her parents, Frank Clarence Artus Sr. and Ruby Williams Artus; her sisters, Marilyn Artus Jenkins and Marie Artus; her brothers, Clarence Artus Jr., Robert Artus, Jewell Artus, and Hubert Artus; and many treasured relatives and friends. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds comfort in knowing that her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and in the memories that will forever be treasured. Her gentle heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and enduring faithfulness will never be forgotten.
Internment has taken place at Jesse Knight Memorial Cemetery in Nokomis, Florida. Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice in Sarasota, Florida, in grateful appreciation for the compassionate care they provided during Janis’ final days.
Forever loved, forever remembered, and forever in our hearts.

