Janice C. Wright, 72, born April 8, 1944, originally of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Nov. 10, 2016, after battling pancreatic cancer.
Janice leaves behind devoted husband Edwin; daughter Katherine; son Timothy, daughter-in-law Nora, and their three children, Marcus, Mason, and Adalynn; and sisters Ellen Schoo of Plano, Iowa and Beverly Miller of Clinton, Iowa. Her parents, Glen and Betty Miller, preceded her in death.
Janice enjoyed a long career as a Spanish teacher, which led her abroad to Guadalajara, Mexico where she studied Spanish for many summers. She also volunteered as an interpreter in Honduras after Hurricane Mitch devastated the country.
Janice learned the viola at an early age and played with the Clinton Symphony Orchestra at age 15. She graduated from Clinton High School (1962) and was also a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa (1965) where she majored in Spanish as well as classical music with an emphasis in piano. Janice and Edwin married in 1965 and moved to New Zealand in 1975, remaining there 10 years where they built a lovely home in the beautiful countryside near Queenstown. This is where she gave birth to her son and daughter, Tim and Katherine.
Janice was a member of The Gunflint Trail Historical Society and was a catalyst for initiating an annual chamber concert series with her Trail friends, Vi Nelson and Paul Dykstra in August 2014.
Janice extends special thanks to Dr. Sandra Stover (Grand Marais), Dr. Chitneni, Dr. Kim, and Dr. Raj-put (Bettendorf, Iowa) for all their support throughout her courageous journey. She is remembered by her family and friends as cheerful, selfless and generous, a truly exceptional wife, mother, sister, and friend. Janice was also deeply devoted to God, faithfully praying every day, putting her hope and faith in Jesus Christ.
Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at the Clinton Chapel Snell-Zornig Funeral Homes & Crematory. Burial was in the Springdale Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Genesis Hospice. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting her obituary at www.snellzornig.com.
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