Janice McCusker

On December 8th, as a peaceful snowfall blanketed the world outside, we said farewell to Janice McCusker. Our beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, wife, and friend bravely closed her eyes one last time after a 14-year battle with cancer. Her strength, courage, and love for life were truly inspirational. Her memory will forever be a beacon of resilience and kindness.

Being a mother and grandmother were roles Janice cherished above all else. Her love for her children and grandchildren were the core of her existence, the driving force in her life. No matter the circumstances, she was always there. Her time and love generously poured into every shared moment, every life lesson, and every comforting hug. The countless memories she created with them serve as a testament to her unconditional love. As a mother,  she inspired Jessica and Adam to strive for their best in parenting, as that is what she offered.  This, her most profound legacy, will continue to inspire and guide them throughout their lives.

Janice's name was synonymous with warmth, love, and an infectious joy that touched the hearts of everyone she met. She loved being silly and sarcastic. As a loving sister and friend and the center of our family, she had a unique ability to make people laugh, even in the face of adversity. Her humor, compassion, and unwavering positivity were the hallmarks of her personality.  She inspired many road trips and vacations with laughter and an abundance of snacks.  She referred to herself as the snack queen.  She made many trips to Disney with family and friends and would walk Disney "until her feet fell off".

Janice was a woman who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. Her most cherished moments were those spent surrounded by her sisters, parents, kids, grandkids, and friends. She craved adventure - from the silliest of quick trips to traveling around the world.  This year, she took on the Oregon Coast for the 4th of July. She was determined at the end, to spend one last Thanksgiving with her kids and grandkids, and did so with grace and gratitude. She also fulfilled her wish to attend the Festival of Trees one last time. Her adventurous spirit remained undimmed no matter how much the cancer fought, our mother, daughter, sister, wife, and grandmother fought harder!  

She never lost her ability to love, to laugh, and to live life to the fullest. Her resilience was nothing short of remarkable and her courage was nothing less than heroic.  She didn't let cancer define her but rather, inspire her to live life to the fullest.  Joking often with an "I'm fine, everything is fine".

In her final days, she was still telling everyone around her how much she loved them, and making people laugh. She joked with the nurse that she "only wanted to be funny again". Her kindness was a constant, her spirit unbroken, and her love inexhaustible. 

She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew her. We will remember her laughter, warmth, courage, love, and the precious moments she spent with us. We will remember her in every adventure and every time we see one of the cherished pictures and memories she left behind.

As we say our final goodbyes, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace, free from pain, and undoubtedly spreading her contagious laughter in heaven above. Rest in peace, Janice, and continue to watch over us in your death, as you always did in life. You are so loved.

A memorial service and viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main,  Bountiful on Monday, December 18th from 4 pm to 6 pm.  Afterward, we will honor her wishes of cremation and take her to the gorgeous beaches of California, one last time.

The family would like to thank the wonderful teams at Huntsman Cancer Hospital, Intermountain Healthcare, and CNS Hospice who cared for Janice and helped us keep her "adventuring" for as long as possible.