Janice Brown, 95, of Wapello passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington, after suffering a stroke. As staying with Janice’s wishes there will be a private family graveside service in the spring where Janice will be laid to rest next to her husband Don, at Wapello Cemetery. Janice was always very concerned about others, she never wanted anyone worrying about her. It only seems fitting she did not want to trouble others with inconveniencing them with missing work or unsafe travels to attend her services. Memorials have been established for First Presbyterian Church of Wapello and Wapello Fire Department in Janice’s name. Memorials may be sent to Janice’s family in care of the funeral home, at 209 Franklin Street, Wapello, Iowa 52653. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sandhfuneralservices.com. Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral & Cremation Services of Wapello are assisting the family with arrangements.
Janice Elaine Marie Bloomer was born on November 15, 1928 in Burlington, the daughter of John Oscar and Olive Florence (Miller) Bloomer. Janice was a 1946 graduate of Wapello High School. On June 22, 1947, Janice was united in marriage to Donald Raymond Brown in Wapello and to this union five children were born. Janice was a stay-at-home mom who enjoyed and cherished being at home with her kids and seeing Don when he came home for lunch every day. In 1974 Janice went to work for Louisa Publishing Co. as a typesetter, retiring at the age of 87. Janice was a faithful member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wapello, playing the piano and organ for Sunday church services. She was also a member of PEO, active in Girl Scouts and Wapello Music Boosters. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her husband, Don, their kids and grandkids. Janice and Don cherished each other and had a wonderful marriage. Janice thoroughly enjoyed attending her kids’ and grandkids’ sporting events and band concerts. A story has been shared that Hal Cross, the band director at the time, told the audience, “We can now start, Janice Brown is here.” Janice had a love for music all of her life, beginning with high school band and choir continuing throughout her life playing the organ and piano at church, singing in the church choir and accompanying David as he played the guitar at home. Janice also enjoyed being outdoors and sitting on her porch. She was a true home body, loving home and family. They meant the world to her.
Those left to cherish Janice’s memory include her children, Greg (Regina) Brown of Wapello, Joan Thompson of Winfield, David Brown of Iowa City, Mary (John) White of Mason City and Martha (Dirk) Wilkerson of Wapello; grandchildren, Clint Brown, Ashley Brown, Joy (Josh) Sparrow, Julie (Jeremy) Hunold, Kendra (Caleb) Connop, Shelby (Craig) Halverson, Abra (Brandon) Kammrad, Lisa Wilkerson and Brady Wilkerson; great- grandchildren, Noah and Nick Sparrow, Kaylen and Brant Hunold, Briar and Rowan Connop, Easton and Adri Halverson, Mac and Baylor Kammrad.
Janice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Don on October 26, 1991; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Betty Bloomer; son-in-law, Paul Thompson and daughter-in-law, Julia Ryan Brown.
To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.