Janice Mores-Harvey

Janice Mores-Harvey

A stranger to none and friend to all, Janice Mores-Harvey was bubbly and outgoing with a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. She had the gift of gab and could talk to anyone as she genuinely enjoyed getting to know other people. Janice was a devoted mother if ever there was one, but she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother was her sweetest reward. She was never one to be concerned with building wealth or accumulating possessions, rather, she made it her mission to fully embrace each and every day she was given while holding her loved ones near. Life will never be the same without Janice here, but her timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

It seems only fitting that Janice’s story began to unfold during a time in our nation’s history that was as colorful as she was. It was the 1950s when Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with his rock ‘n roll music, James Dean made young girls across the nation swoon, and we welcomed both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states as the decade drew to a close. Amidst this exciting time a young couple from Joliet, Illinois, was filled with great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as fall was beginning to settle in. Their wait was over on September 16, 1956, when the baby girl they named Janice Sue made her arrival at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She was welcomed into the world by her parents, William Fred and Lavera Janice Taylor-Henderson, and she was joined in her family by her siblings, Paul, Cathy, and Jodi. Janice’s father worked as a maintenance engineer at the Rialto Theater in Joliet and also worked at a local factory.

For the most part Janice experienced an upbringing that was fairly common for the youth of her generation. She was a bit of a tomboy who loved being outdoors and was into playing sports of all kinds. By the time she was a teen Janice’s fun-loving personality had already emerged, and she was the life of the party wherever she went. She has been described as a normal teenager who was into music and enjoyed going to concerts and out dancing as well as just spending as much time as she could with her friends. Janice was a student at local schools including Joliet Central High School.

New and exciting changes were in store for Janice when she met the man who would continue to hold the keys to her heart. His name was Michael Harvey, and they met at Frank and Mary’s in Joliet. It wasn’t long before the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together Janice and Michael were united in marriage on March 4, 1985, in Denton, Texas. Janice held four children in her heart and home: Melissa, John, Christine, and Michelle. When her family tree blossomed to include seven grandchildren, Janice couldn’t have been happier, and it was easy to see that Mariah, William, Emily, Gavin, Aiden, Olivia, and Paisley were the apple of her eye. She loved the companionship of her cat, Trixie, also known as Kitten at times, that was like an additional member of her family.

In addition to caring for her family, Janice kept busy in other ways as well. She worked for the Illinois Secretary of State as a personal service representative at the Morris DMV, where she spread her warm and kind demeanor. She kept busy around the house with various DIY projects and also enjoyed cooking, which was something that her loved ones greatly appreciated. Janice and Michael did some traveling, and they certainly had the experience of a lifetime when they were held up on the beach by combatants while on vacation in Mexico. She was an avid reader who enjoyed People magazine and anything from Danielle Steele. Janice found flower gardening to be relaxing and enjoyed doing anything outdoors just as she had while growing up. Camping was one of her favorite outdoor activities, and Janice was a member of the South Wilmington Fireman’s Club.

With so much love for those around her, Janice Mores-Harvey was a blessing in the lives of all who were within reach. She was gracious and kindhearted with a certain sparkle about her. Janice was outgoing and enjoyed meeting new people everywhere she went. Her devotion to her family was easy to see, and she was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Janice will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Janice Sue Mores-Harvey, of Braceville and formerly Joliet, died on Thursday, March 20, 2014, at Loyola University Medical Center. Janice’s family includes her husband, Michael; two daughters, Melissa (David) Bright of Mazon and Michelle (Jason) Edmonds of Coal City; seven grandchildren, Mariah, William, Emily, Gavin, Aidan, Olivia and Paisley; brother, Paul S. McCain of Joliet; two sisters, Jodi (Rich) Isberg of Wilmington and Cathy McCain; niece, Rachel Isberg; great-niece, Laney Frausto; and a host of friends. Janice was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Christine Elizabeth (1980) and son, John William (2012). Visitation and video tribute will be held on Monday, March 24, 2014, from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block north of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Funeral services will follow Tuesday morning, March 25th at 10:00 a.m. in the funeral home with Reverend Michael Day from Joliet First Church of the Nazarene officiating. Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com .

Funeral services, and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125).