Janice Walsh

1942 - 2025

With great sadness, we share the passing of Janice Marie Brown Walsh, born February 10th, 1942. Jan died peacefully in her sleep on September 28th, 2025, at her home in Olympia, Washington at the age of 83.

Jan was born and lived in Short Hills, New Jersey until she left to attend Penn State University where she earned her bachelor's degree in education as a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in 1964. She later attended the University of Pittsburgh where she graduated with a master's degree in library science in 1968. Janice taught high school English before coming to Washington State to work with the Washington State Libraries in 1972. Her 38-year career with Washington State included roles as Library Consultant, Assistant Director for Customer Service and the Washington State Librarian from 2002 to 2010. Jan, a lifelong reader, was a constant advocate for libraries across the state. She served as a voice for all, including vulnerable populations. She introduced reading initiatives for children and youth and worked to ensure libraries were available across all communities in the state.

In 1998, Jan bravely battled and won her fight against breast cancer. After retiring from the library in 2010, she went on to create space for other survivors as a Livestrong facilitator with the YMCA until 2020. In this role she was a personal trainer, coach and friend to many. Jan loved her time at the YMCA and was greatly passionate about her work there.

Janice is survived by her brother Richard Brown, Lani Brown and her niece and nephews, as well as her daughter Kelly Wise Connelly and son-in-law Kelly Connelly, daughter Gretchen Wise Thaller and son-in-law John Thaller. She was Nanna to her granddaughters Kayla Thaller, Lauren Kerlee and grandson in law, Lucas Parsons, and her great grandson Benjamin Parsons, who she adored.

Jan loved to walk, read, and garden. She was active in her sewing group and neighborhood bookclub. Throughout the years she loved to watch her granddaughters in activities and sports. She enjoyed the many strong friendships she developed in her personal and professional life.

Some of Jan's accomplishments and awards include: The Washington State Library Association Advocacy Award; President American Library Association, NCES/NCLIS Annual Lorenz and Keppel Award and the Service Quality Executive Management Award.

Jan will be remembered for her kindness and humility, dedication and energy, bright mind and quick wit, and her stubborn determination. Her smile and laughter lit up the room. Jan's love for her family and friends will be felt forever more. She will be missed deeply.