JANICE M. CHRISTIANSEN

1943 - 2023

Janice M. Christiansen, 79 years old, passed peacefully at her home after a long and brave battle with glioblastoma on March 31, 2023. Janice was greatly loved by her family, her friends and her many business colleagues. Janice was born December 19, 1943, Janice M. Jamrosz in Springfield, IL, to Margaret Jamrosz (Campbell) and Sigmund F. Jamrosz. Janice was a graduate of Michigan State University with a major in History and a minor in English. She had a great love for Michigan State University and she was very proud to be an alumni of a great university. She married John T. Christiansen in 1968, and they had 2 sons - Spencer Lynn and Jon Michael. Sadly, her beloved husband, John passed unexpectedly in 1985 and 2 years later, Janice had to take over the family business, FlagSource. Janice was faced many challenges when she joined the business but she vowed to build FlagSource back to it's glory and live up to her husband's legacy. Within in 5 years, Janice had rebuilt the business and FlagSource was thriving. She managed to achieve this great feat while still raising her two boys. As she propelled the business forward, she installed the largest embroidery machine in her factory to embroider the starfields for the U.S. flag. FlagSource's U.S. flags are 100% made in the U.S.A. of American derived materials and labor. In 2010 Janice was named the first chairwoman of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association. She relished this position and connected with many different business and manufacturing associations to move Illinois forward in manufacturing. While Janice loved her business in making flags, she loved her family more. Hosting Christmas was one of her favorite families activities and Christmas at her house was always a big and colorful event in true Janice style. Janice had a great passion for traveling and exploring the world. She was one of the top 100 most traveled women in the world. Visiting such far-reaching destinations as Nepal, East Africa and Bora Bora. She made many of these journeys with her dear partner in life, Bob Bonifas. Together they enjoyed many adventures, including a journey to Antarctica that left them stranded in a port at South Georgia Island for nearly two weeks. But true to Janice form, she remained positive and upbeat about the whole situation. Janice is survived by her son, Spencer (Jennifer and son, Spencer Jr.) and her son, Jon Michael (Maria and sons, Nathan and Lucas); her brother, Michael Jamrosz; nephews, Jeffrey (Jessica) and Joseph (Christine); her brother-in-law, William Christiansen; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved dear partner, Robert Bonifas, who has been her faithful and loving partner for nearly 20 years. Together they traveled the world, met heads of state and enjoyed a tremendous life together. Our family is grateful to the Bonifas family for all of their love and support over many years. Janice, you are gone but not forgotten. You are in our hearts forever. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, April 15th, at the Little Home Church by the Wayside Army Trail Road in Wayne, IL at 10 AM. December 19, 1943 - March 31, 2023.