Rowena P. Janis of South Jamesport died Oct. 3, 2026, at home. She was 87 years old.
Born Dec. 6, 1938, she was the daughter of Ralph and Lucy (Mazgulski) Ambrose. She grew up in Riverhead and graduated from Riverhead High School in 1957, where she played field hockey and enjoyed ballroom dancing.
She later attended beauty school in Jamaica, commuting by train from Riverhead. She opened Princess Beauty Salon on Main Street in Jamesport and ran the business for many years.
She and her husband raised their family in the Jamesport area and attended St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead. Her family said she was known for her colorful aphorisms, her love of cooking and baking, and her enjoyment of family gatherings and celebrations.
She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Janis Jr. She is survived by her sister, Lucille; her sons, Raymond III “Randy” (Theresa) and Darrell (Bernadette); and five grandchildren.
The family will receive visitors Friday, Oct. 9, from 4 to 8 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. The Liturgy of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Church in Riverhead. Interment will follow at St. John the Evangelist R.C. Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jamesport Fire Department or the American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
