Janice was born in Iaeger, West Virginia on August 21, 1935. In 1955, she met and married the love of her life, Don Darr. They had four children together: Donnie, Rick, Robin, and Wendy. Her husband died in 1977, shortly after purchasing the home of their dreams in Stafford, Virginia. To provide for her family, she worked as a babysitter and cleaned houses. Every family she worked for she treated as her own.
She loved all animals and did everything she could to help one in need. In addition to rescuing dozens of cats and dogs, she carefully trapped and released every mouse and bug found in her home. She truly valued the life of every living thing on Earth, no matter how small.
In 1985, Janice's oldest daughter tragically died in a car accident. Even though losing one of her children was devastating, she found joy and purpose in raising her grandson Johnny. In 1992, she miraculously survived stage 4 ovarian cancer. Twenty years later, she proved her bravery and tenacity again when diagnosed with breast cancer while dealing with the gradual loss of her memory due to dementia. Regardless of her confusion or frustration, she remained the most gracious, compassionate woman until the day she passed away.
She is survived by her children, Richard Darr (Leta) and Wendy Barrett (Bob), and her grandchildren: Johnny Rymarz (Kimberle), Noah Barrett, and Samantha Barrett. She is predeceased by her husband, Don Darr; her parents, Joe and Hilda Duling; her brother, Bobby Goff; her favorite aunt, Rita Kinkead; and her children, Donnie Darr and Robin Rymarz. She will be forever missed for her sweet smile, kind heart, and gentle spirit.
A graveside service will take place on Friday, February 21st at 12:30 PM at Mount Comfort Cemetery in Alexandria, Virginia. Flowers can be sent to Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service. Those wishing to honor Janice’s life are encouraged to attend her memorial at the Marriott hotel in downtown Fredericksburg on Saturday, February 29th at 2 PM.
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