BERNADINE ‘JAN’ ‘BLONDIE’ MIECZKOWSKI
Bernadine Janet “Jan” “Blondie” Harvilak Mieczkowski, 89, of Wintersville, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. She was the daughter of the late John Harvilak Jr. and Helen Schervinsky Harvilak. She is also preceded in death by her husband Thomas “Toots” Mieczkowski; sister JoAnn “Jo” Harvilak Moore; brother John “Tucker” (Patty) Harvilak; and her hero and beloved son Robert “Bobby” Mieczkowski.
Jan was born in Steubenville, Ohio, on June 10, 1937, and graduated from Weir High School in 1955. She was a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, carrying a Rosary with her everywhere she went. She loved to laugh and eat lobster tail and was the life of the party on the dance floor, winning dance competitions doing the twist and the jitterbug. Jan helped build multiple successful family businesses, including Toots and Bob’s Sports Shop and The Igloo, both Tri-State favorites. In her limited free time, she could be found watching Ohio State football with her family (she was convinced her great-grandson would play for someday). Jan lived a life of pure selfless love, always putting others first and speaking only with kindness. Her greatest joy was helping raise her two grandchildren–never missing a school dance or sports game. Before any major event, Jan would lovingly sing “Amazing Grace” and “Ave Maria” in Latin with her granddaughter to soothe her and bring luck. She was the most devoted wife and homemaker, a patient mother, a loving grandmother, and a fun, great-grand- mother.
While known by many names, “Jan,” Blondie,” “Toots’ wife”, the ones nearest and dearest to her heart were “momma bear,” from her daughter, “Lois,” because she played Lois Lane to her grandson’s Superman, and “Baca,” her most treasured name given to her by her beloved grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia Tate; daughter-in-law, Alice Janeshek Mieczkowski; niece, Vicky Jo Moore Beatty; grandchildren, Danielle Tate and Bryan (Courtnie) Tate; and the lights of her life, her great-grand- children, Wade and Kahlan Tate.
“Baca, from your family, you will continue to be our unsung hero, the best parts of us, and the wind beneath our wings. You will always be with us in our hearts and forever loved and missed, more than words can say. We will see you again someday, standing at The Gate, but until then, rest peacefully with the Angels in the arms of Jesus, flying high on eagles’ wings. We love you with all our hearts.”
According to her wishes, there was a private viewing with family on Thursday morning at Mosti Funeral Home. She will be cremated, and no services will be held at this time. You may offer condolences at www.mostifuneralhome.com