Janalyn Farley-Boward

Age 84 of Wesley Township, Wilmington, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home with family at her side on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

Born January 23, 1940 in Kankakee, Illinois, Janalyn was the daughter of Emory and Elnora (Tucker) Farley. She was raised in Kankakee and in her formative years played E-flat alto saxophone in the school band, belonged to Future Nurses and Future Homemakers and performed in the school plays prior to graduating from the Kankakee Senior High School with the Class of 1957.

A lifelong advocate of education, Janalyn's academic pursuits culminated in a Master's degree in Science Education from Illinois State University in 1991, and a secondary Master's degree in Reading Sciences. Her career journey began as a histologist and cytologist in pathology, where she worked for 20 years in the laboratories at Riverside and St. Mary's in Kankakee and St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet. Jan’s desire to teach however transitioned her into the classroom, where she began her career at Peotone High School teaching science and reading for eight years. She eventually took a position with Reed Custer High School where she worked in the special education department with emphasis in sciences and reading for 12 years before retiring in May 2007. Mrs. Boward's dedication extended beyond academics as she engaged in extracurricular activities and fostered lasting bonds with her students.

As a devoted Christian who was strong in her faith, Jan was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Wilmington, where she was active with the United Methodist Women and taught Sunday School. She co-founded and was past president of Our Caring Closet; belonged to the Illinois Retired Teachers; participated in the Red Hat Society and was a proud Illinois State University Alumni, always supporting the Red Birds. In addition, throughout the years, Jan belonged to the Orton Gillingham Dyslexic Society, the International Learning Disabilities of America, Wilmington Moose Lodge, Wilmington VFW Ladies Auxiliary, Wilmington Historical Society, the Wilmington Women’s Club, and the Wilmington Public Library Book Club. Jan was a wonderful mentor to many and the absolute best advise giver! She genuinely loved helping others. Jan was fond of genealogy, her Wesley Township neighbors, but most of all her home, which used to be a hotel, where she and her beloved husband, Ted, raised their family.

Jan was well traveled and created memories in all 50 states, as well as abroad. Her creativity and meticulous nature aided her in handiwork such as cross stitch, knitting and sewing; creating beautiful stained glass pieces and toll painting. Jan had a deep love of nature and found solace working in her flower gardens, watching the birds and simply enjoying a good book and glass of red wine. Not to forget her love of swimming and cross country skiing, Jan’s interests were diverse, and she supported all of those near and dear to her in whatever endeavor they embarked.

Survivors include her two daughters and sons-in-law: Elizabeth “Beth” and Paul Rossi and Thea and Brian Coplea, both of Wilmington; step-children: Karen and Gail Liesman of Atlanta, Illinois, Ted and Renee Boward of Dover, Delaware and Raymond Boward of Lincoln, Illinois; (11) grandchildren: Lacinda Boward, Shane Rossi, Sarah Rossi, Erica (Jacob) Bolatto, Haiden Coplea, Ava Coplea, Jennifer Liesman, Stephanie (James) Benedict, Wes Liesman, Brett (Heather) Liesman and Travis Liesman; numerous great grandchildren; one aunt, Shirley Caldwell, formerly of Sims, Illinois; one sister-in-law, Joyce Farley of Bourbonnais, Illinois and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Theodore Boward (2008); son Bruce Boward (2020); step-son, Rusty Boward (2023); grandchildren: Angel, Bruce Jr. “B.J.”, and Addison, and her brother, Robert Farley (2000).

The family will receive friends for a visitation at Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington on Monday, March 11, 2024 between the hours of 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Tuesday morning, March 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Harriette Cross from the First United Methodist Church officiating.

Cremation rites will be accorded following the services and Jan will be laid to rest with her late husband Ted at a later date in Wesley Cemetery in rural Ritchie, Illinois.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Jan’s memory to her family for the creation of an educational scholarship in her memory.

Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.BaskervilleFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photographs and share Jan’s memorial page online through social media.

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-476-2181)