Janice Thompson

Janice Ann Thompson (née Rothrock), age 75, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Born on April 6, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana, Janice was the daughter of Imogene and Marion "Rocky" Rothrock. She graduated from Brandywine High School in 1968 and went on to earn an Associate's Degree from Southwestern Michigan College.

Her life was rooted in family, faith, and a deep love for nature and community. Janice was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, and coworker. Her days were filled with acts of kindness – whether it was preparing a home-cooked meal or dessert for someone in need, or watching over grandchildren or other children. Her love knew no bounds as she effortlessly cared for and loved her grandchildren and the children of many family and friends. She showered all of them with love, kindness and care. She attended school programs and sports events, and always offered a helping hand to loved ones. Her presence was a constant source of comfort and support to those around her.

She found spiritual grounding as a member of Holy Maternity Catholic Church in Dowagiac, where her faith remained an important part of her life.

Jan's love for the outdoors was evident in her beautifully tended yard that bloomed with special plants and flowers. Each year she thoughtfully planted blooms that matched the wedding colors of her children's weddings – a living tribute to their milestones. Her passion for birds made her backyard a haven for feathered visitors; she delighted in identifying them and sharing her knowledge with others.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Jan rarely missed a game. Whether it meant attending two or three grandchildren's events in one day or cheering from home with Notre Dame football on the television every Saturday, she brought unwavering energy and enthusiasm to every match.

Books were another cherished part of her life – she read daily to her grandchildren and often stayed up late immersed in novels of her own. To many who knew and loved her, she was affectionately known as "Maw Jan" – a title she wore with pride. So much so that it adorned her signature license plate: "Maw Jan." It symbolized not only her role within the family but also the warmth and joy she brought into every room she entered.

Janice is survived by her siblings: Warren Rothrock, Margaret Freeman, Mary Rothrock, David (Betty) Rothrock, and Amy Gaynor; her children: daughter Anne Schaap (fiancé Allen Eisenhart), sons Matt (Jamie) Ferry, Mark (Beth) Ferry, and Miles (Ashley) Ferry; grandchildren: Brooke, Cody, Caleb, Matt, Dylan, Isabelle, Garrett, Greta, Madison and Lincoln; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry forward her legacy of love and generosity.

She was preceded in death by her parents Imogene and Marion "Rocky" Rothrock and by her brother James Rothrock.

Janice Ann Thompson's life was one of quiet strength and boundless giving. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.

A funeral will be held at Halbritter-Wickens; 615 E. Main St, Niles, Michigan on December 26, 2025, at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be at 10:00 AM with funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place immediately following services after a procession at Mission Hills Memorial and Crematory Gardens, Niles, Michigan. Janice's wishes are for living plants for the services.

Any monetary donations can be forwarded to the Ronald McDonald House Charities; 610 N. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46601.