Janice Lee Whitaker Smith

Janice Lee Whitaker Smith, 86, of Patterson Twp., passed away peacefully, on July 9, 2024. Born on December 6, 1937, in Butler, PA, to the late Harry and Grace Whitaker, Janice was a bright light to her three siblings and all who were close to her. Her exuberance landed her at Presbyterian School of Nursing, where she found herself researching and practicing in neonatal infection. But her career plans changed when she first laid eyes on her future husband elbow-deep in heart surgery. They soon had a son and were living in Bristol, England. A daughter later completed the family. Janice nurtured them all by giving them the respect of freedom without judgement. Her son became a petroleum engineer and her daughter a professor of English and film, while her husband was able to practice general surgery and then study to become a pathologist with a specialty in forensics, none of which would have been possible without her. The family vacationed at the Great Lakes and skied the mountains of Colorado for years. She traveled with her husband to the Grand Canyon, Banff, and Egypt because she wanted to see the world. Yet, she loved nothing more than a cool breeze and a quality caramel. She was a competitive card player and game player, and a skilled wordsmith. She would take in needy strays and once spent weeks capturing a skittish calico who quickly delivered four kittens, all family for life. Yet Janice was best known for her personality: wry, witty, salty, and smart. Amused with social absurdities, she was honest, hilarious, fearless, and expert at dropping a natural f-bomb with a sparkle in her eye. Her lucid intelligence kept her sharp and current. She smiled, laughed, and winked through to the last day of her life. Janice was the heart of her family and a favorite to many. Her spirit will be dearly missed. Janice was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Joyce Whitaker; and her brother, James Whitaker. Janice will be sadly missed by her husband of over 60 years, James Willard Smith Jr.; her son, James Smith, of Fort Worth, TX; her daughter Jillian (Tim Donovan) Smith, of St. Augustine, FL; as well as her dear friends Michael McMillen and Diane Erickson; her sister, Anne (Francis) Killmeyer; and numerous nieces and nephews. As per Janice’s wishes, no public services were held. Friends are encouraged to visit her memorial bench in the walking loop at Brady’s Run Park. Professional Arrangements have been entrusted to the Noll Funeral Home Inc., 333 Third Street, Beaver, PA 15009. Online condolences may be shared at www.nollfuneral.com.