Janie O'Connor West

Janie O’Connor West, 68, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at her home in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sunday, June 7, 2026. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, she will be remembered for the warmth, kindness, generosity and unconditional love she shared with everyone fortunate enough to know her. Growing up in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Janie was a daughter of the late John and LaVerne O’Connor. She grew up in a large, close-knit family that remained the center of her life. She was a proud graduate of Edinboro University and went on to build a meaningful career with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Janie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Larry West, the love of her life, who passed away in 2017. She was also preceded in death by her parents, John and LaVerne O’Connor; her siblings Jim O’Connor, MaryAnn O’Connor and Kevin O’Connor; nephew Jim Cook; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, and her brother-in-law Tim. Those who loved Janie find comfort in knowing she is reunited with so many who meant the world to her. She is lovingly survived by her siblings Peggy O’Connor Cook (Dave), Mara O’Connor Foulois (Bill), Pat O’Connor, Dan O’Connor (Debbie), Katie O’Connor Leyland (Jim) and Gerri O’Connor Poerio (Frank). Janie is also survived by her sisters-in-law Lori O’Connor and LeeAnn O’Connor; her sister-in-law Kathy West Murphy (Carl); her brothers-in-law Pat West (Maria) and Mike West (Susan), along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom held a special place in her heart. She loved them as if they were her own children and took immense joy in celebrating their lives, accomplishments and milestones. In recent years, Janie split her time between Alaska and Florida, embracing every opportunity to be with the people she loved most. She treasured time with her family and was also blessed with an extraordinary circle of lifelong friends who became family. Although her passing was sudden, the legacy of love she leaves behind will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her. A memorial mass for Janie will be held at 10 am on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in St. Vincent Basilica, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA. Committal service will follow in St. Vincent Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to the American Cancer Society or the Fairbanks Community Food Bank. Local arrangements are being handled by Kepple-Graft Funeral Home, Greenburg. For online condolences, please visit www.kepplegraft.com.