Janice M. (Thompson) Brown

Janice Mildred (Thompson) Brown passed away on Monday, March 13, 2023 after a brief illness, in the warmth and security of being cared for at home with her family. She was born February 11, 1927 in Montague City to Horace P and Mildred (Siteman) Thompson. Her mother died in childbirth and she was raised by her maternal grandparents, aunts and uncles. In this household, Janice was treated like a princess, destined to become a Queen. She was doted on by all of the household members.  When her father remarried, Janice became very close to and appreciative of Ethel, her step mom, and she developed a great relationship with her two half-sisters Gail and Paige. 
While working in the business office of the Montague Machine Company she met the love of her life, Kenneth Winfield Brown. After a 6 month courtship they were married on August 24, 1946 and started their adventure.
They lived in Riverside, then Montague City, before settling into the house on Third Street in Turners Falls where they raised their 8 children. They celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and the marriage of their second child, Ken Jr, before she lost Brownie in 1971. 
 She worked as a nurse’s aide at the Farren Memorial Hospital until she retired in 1985.  In retirement she continued to work; at the front desk of Stoneleigh Burnham School and as a receptionist at One Arch Place. Her quick wit and kind heart made her a treasure wherever she worked.
She considered her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren her legacy, while others would remember her generosity. Her children were her pride and joy. Whatever their shenanigans, she seemed to take it all in stride. “Take it outside,” she would direct when things got a little rambunctious. Many people joined the household over the years, with her blessing.  Sometimes just for supper, sometimes for short periods of time. The household hosted Aunt Jennie and Uncle Steve (only one at a time), as well as various high school friends who got “kicked out of the house” for a mixture of reasons, and then stayed while they worked out their family issues. Her only stipulation was that these kids make a phone call home to tell their parents where they were. Two of her favorite visitors were high school teacher Tom Meehan, and the beloved Fr. John Roach.
Janice traveled extensively, first when she and Brownie were newlyweds, then the trip of a lifetime to the British Isles and Ireland, and afterwards to see her various children living outside of New England, to the Virgin Islands, Texas and California. She made yearly pilgrimages to her beloved Maine.
When it became apparent that she could no longer live on her own, Doug and Mary Lynne offered to have her move into their home. She was somewhat reluctant, because she loved her independence and cozy apartment. Once she made the decision to move, she was extremely happy and at peace.
Cleaning out her apartment has been a very insightful experience. She kept every postcard, sympathy card, Christmas card, birthday card, and every child’s, grandchild’s, great grandchild’s newspaper clipping or school play bill that her eyes came across. She has six enormous boxes of photographs and photo albums that preserve history from the early 1900's. 
Some of the cards that she kept obviously offered sentiments that she held true, and to share a couple…

“How do you learn to be a Mom?” asked Pooh
“You just follow your heart,” answered Kanga.

“If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky enough.”

She is survived by 7 of her 8 children, excluding Ken Jr. who passed in 2015: Bill, Tedd (Diane), Doug (Mary Lynne), Laurie, Sharon, Steven (Julie) and Kevin; her grandchildren, Curtis and Rodney Neill, Kelly (John) Bell, Amanda (Mike) Scola, Cory and Marcellina Brown, Nichole (Kevin) Brown - Morin, Kerri (Chris) Lapointe, Cal, Cleo and Alexandra B. Trumann, Samantha (Josh) Fleming, Jessica (Peter) Lapachinski, Kenny (Emily) Pleasant, Danielle and Christopher (Jenny) Brown and Evan Pleasant; and great grandchildren Annah and Adeline Scola, Declan Carter, Jaiden and Kendyl Lapointe, Carys Butterfield, Emma and Finnegan Fleming, Carter and Palmer Lapachinski,  Lennon, Josephine and Julia Pleasant, Owen, Savannah and Sydney Brown. She leaves behind her dearest friend of 50+ years, Thelma to her Louise, Dorothy Wood, and Dorothy's daughter Sandra.
The Brown Family extends their deepest appreciation towards the Pioneer Valley Hospice and the Franklin County TRIAD program, for their care and support to Janice and her family in this difficult time. They would also thank the Kostanski Funeral Home for their guidance. 
Arrangements under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home are private; there will be no calling hours.  Burial will be at Springdale Cemetery, where she can keep an eye on Brownie and Kenner. Carry on.
For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

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