Janice Arlene Lance

Janice Arlene Lance, 92, of Etters, Fairview Township, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, March 14, 2025, at home with her family.

Janice was born July 9, 1932, in Stonetown, PA to the late Michael Kasper and Verna Alice (Bolton) Brehm.

Janice was a 1950 graduate of Womelsdorf High School. She became a Registered Nurse through the Reading Hospital School of Nursing and worked at the hospital for several years until she became a mother and the family relocated several times for her husband’s career. After Janice and her family settled in Etters in January of 1961, she worked part-time as a nurse at the Harrisburg Hospital until the birth of her last child, after which, she devoted all of her time and energy to raising her four children with purpose, imagination, integrity, humor, kindness, wisdom, and love.

Janice was a member of Fishing Creek Salem United Methodist Church, Etters. Throughout her lifetime she was active with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and 4-H; teaching Sunday school; selling Avon; serving as an election poll worker; chauffeuring children to and from countless events; bowling in two leagues; hosting foreign exchange students through Youth For Understanding; caring for grandchildren and aging family members; participating in events of two senior groups; and supporting the many activities of her children and grandchildren. As the family grew and Janice became the matriarch, she and her husband hosted many large, joyous, meaningful family events. Janice enjoyed life in the country, reading, learning, teaching, children, cats, gardening, playing games, watching the birds and wildlife that came to her backyard feeders, attending movies and plays, and traveling and exploring new places with her husband and family. She loved her family and was always there for them — indeed, Janice was the heart and soul of the Lance family, and her passing leaves a hole that can never be filled.

In addition to her parents, Janice was preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Marie Lance; and daughter-in-law, Liz Stutzman. She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, George Fritts Lance; children, Sharon Jean Lance of Camp Hill, Michael George Lance (Donna Hill) of Williamsport, Linda Lance Herrold (Steve) of New Cumberland, and Paivi Taipale (Seppo) of Tampere, Finland; daughter-in-law, Rosann Coviello of New Cumberland; sister, Brenda Joan Groff (Mel) of Wyomissing; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The Lance family would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to the caregivers from Gentiva Hospice and Home Instead of Lemoyne who provided compassionate, attentive, loving care to Janice.

A public viewing will be held at Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, New Cumberland, on Sunday, March 23, 2025, from 3:30PM until a Celebration of Life begins at 4:30PM. Repast will follow for family and friends at Fox-Eichelberger VFW Post 7415; 109 3rd Street; New Cumberland, PA 17070.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Janice’s name to a charity of the donor’s choice.