Janice Lee Echler 70, of Montpelier died Friday afternoon at Evergreen Manor Nursing Home in Montpelier after a long battle with cancer. She was born On January 9, 1943 in Ft. Wayne Indiana to Edward and Helen (Blee) Eagleson. Janice graduated from Central Catholic High School, and then went on to St. Francis College both in Ft. Wayne. On June 30, 1962 she married Van D. Echler in Ft. Wayne, and he survives.
Janice was an elementary teacher’s aide for Montpelier Schools for 27 years, retiring in 2006. She also sold real estate for Bob Mercer Reality. For many years she attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, and was a member of the Pioneer Garden Club.
Janice is survived by her husband Van of Montpelier, son Daniel (Tracey) Echler of East Tawas Michigan, three daughters SuAnn (Darin) Thorp of Montpelier, Dr. Nanette (Jon) Mick of Sylvania Ohio, Pamela (Tom) Zahniser of Temperence Michigan, eight grandchildren Brittany and Blaine Thorp, Morgan, Lauryn and Connor Mick, and Mitchell, Mara and Matthew Zahniser, two brothers James (Carolyn) Eagleson of Middlebury Indiana and John (Barb) Eagleson of Ft. Wayne.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation hours for Janice will be Monday February 4th from 3-8pm at the Wilson Geesey Funeral Home in Montpelier. Services will be Tuesday at 10:30am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Montpelier with Father Jim Halleron to officiate. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Montpelier. Donations may be made in Janice’s honor to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Montpelier Elementary School or Bryan Hospital Hospice. Online condolences can be made at www.wilsongeeseyfuneralhome.com.
