Janice Gavin

Janice Marie Gavin, 83, passed away on January 17, 2025. Janice was born August 17, 1941, to Lambert and Gladys “Dolly” Brommel. She was a very low birth weight and not expected to live but, as we have seen throughout her life, she was a fighter. She graduated from St. Marys High School and married the love of her life Robert “Bob” Gavin, on September 19, 1959.

Janice stayed home raising their five children but also assisted Bob with building their St. Marys home and their carpet business of over 30 years. She did most of the carpet sales and was sure to check Bob’s carpet seaming ability every once in a while. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church where she served on various committees. Janice was most proud of being a First Responder for the St Marys Fire and Rescue for 17 years.

Janice loved sports, especially basketball. When she could no longer play she loved coaching and watching sports. She attended every sporting event she could and loved watching her children and grandchildren play. She was a Girl Scout leader, Little League girls softball coach, Babe Ruth coach, an avid bowler and shared the love of a good game of cards (mainly pitch and solitaire) with her family especially the grandsons. She spent a lot of time at Red Hat functions and loved playing dominoes and fast track with the ladies. In the later years, Bob and Janice enjoyed spending winters in Texas. Summers were for ball games and lake time including camping with their children at Rathbun and later spending time at their Sun Valley Lake house where she was truly at home. So many great memories that she set in motion!

Janice suffered a stroke at the age of 47 and had various health issues but, the fighter that she was, she fought back. She suffered a second stroke in December 2022, and it was discovered she had a brain tumor which she battled the remainder of her life.
Preceding her in death were her parents; in-laws, Francis and Helen Gavin; brothers Eugene and Ronald Brommel; brothers in-law Dale and Joe Gavin, Bud Wattonville; sisters in-laws Shirley Brommel, Pam Gavin and Charlotte Brommel; nephew Steven Brommel and nieces Cindy Gavin and Lori Jordan.

Janice is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bob; children, Lesa(Mark) Dembinski, Sarah(Tod) Mullins, Michael Gavin, Jane(Larry) McDowell, Patrick Gavin; her grandchildren, Wesley(Bradi) Dembinski, Nicole(Jeremy) Holst, Dane Mullins, Paige Mullins, Shae Gavin, William(Taylor) McDowell, Emily(Greg Musil) McDowell, Rebecca McDowell, Lauren McDowell, Mitchell Gavin, Sam Gavin; great-grandchildren, Paxton and Brynlee Holst, Rowan, Brecklynn and Saylor Dembinski; brother Tom(Marilyn) Brommel and many brothers and sisters in-law, nieces and nephews.

Janice was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend. She touched so many hearts and will be deeply missed.

A Visitation will be held Friday, January 24, 4:30-8:00, with the Rosary at 4:00 at the St. Marys Church Hall. Funeral will be held Saturday, January 25, 10:30 at the Immaculate Conception Church with burial to follow.

The family wishes to thank the staff at The Village of Indianola who provided such wonderful care for Janice in the last two years of her life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the St. Marys Fire and Rescue, Pink Tractor Foundation or Immaculate Conception Church.