Janice Marie Lawrence

Janice Marie (DeCarlo) Lawrence, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on November 11, 2025, in Wilton, Connecticut, at the age of 84, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and related dementia.

Born in Greenwich, Connecticut, on October 18, 1941, to Dominick and Constance DeCarlo, Janice grew up in a close-knit family with her parents and sister Virginia, and in a vibrant community she cherished throughout her life. A graduate of Greenwich High School, Class of 1959, Janice was deeply involved in school life—excelling academically, serving on student council, acting as class secretary, singing in girls chorus, contributing to senior hospitality, and shining brightest as a cheerleader. She loved those years of her life as she felt she truly lived in a real-world “Happy Days” episode. In 1957, she was crowned “Miss Byram” (Greenwich), a reflection of her warmth, charm, and spirited personality.

After getting married, Janice totally immersed herself in the role of her life as the mother to her three children – David, Donna and Steven. Her children were everything to her and she did anything needed to raise and support them – even when things got tougher as she became a single mother. Janice spent many years working as a secretary for various corporations, and later in life accomplished one of her proudest moments -earning an associate’s degree in social work from Norwalk Community College. Her passion for helping others shaped everything she did. A devout Catholic, she attended church faithfully and volunteered at food banks, always showing up with kindness, especially for the elderly she looked after and cared about so deeply.

Though she lived in several places over the years, Janice always found her way back to Greenwich—her true home to be near her extended family. Later in life she moved to Monroe, Connecticut, to help care for her grandchildren, a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Family and friends meant everything to her. She was the one who made sure everyone stayed connected. She always stressed the importance of remembering birthdays, stories, and the little things that mattered most. She loved exercising, being creative, and surrounding herself with the people she treasured.

Janice is survived by her children, whom she loved beyond measure:

          David and his wife, Karina

          Donna and her husband, Christopher

          Steven and his wife, Heather

She was the proud grandmother of Zayne, Avah, Kacey, Lauren, Jayme, and Ania, each of whom brought her endless joy.

Janice is also survived by her sister Virginia Adams, and she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Howard Adams. She leaves behind nieces and nephews she adored like her own.

A service will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Greenwich, with the date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that anyone reading this take a moment to think about their own mother. And if you are fortunate enough that she is still with you, honor Janice’s memory in the way she would have loved most—pick up the phone and call her.

May she find eternal rest in God’s embrace, with St. Jude—her cherished saint—at her side.