Janice Lorraine Morris
July 15, 2014
Janice Lorraine Morris, 59, passed away July 15, 2014. A private memorial service will be held at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway.
Janice was born in Fruitport, MI to Margaret and Earl Comstock on November 17, 1954. She had a passion for teaching, children, and family. Janice was a special education teacher at Brody and SE Polk; and most recently taught 6th grade language arts and reading at Merrill Jr. High. She enjoyed traveling to Wisconsin to visit her daughter and family, helping last summer with her twin grandchildren. Janice was a giving and caring person. She also enjoyed photography and was a trained International Baccalaureate.
She is survived by her mother, Margaret Comstock; daughter, Dana (David) Erato; grandchildren, Bennett and Natalia Erato; siblings, James, Susan, and Steven (Lydia) Comstock; Dana’s father, Ed Morris; and great-nephews, Calvin Collison and Beau White. Janice was preceded in death by her father; and sisters, Marge Collison and Mary Brandow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Habitat for Humanity or to Doctor’s without Borders. Condolences may be expressed online at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Dave O'Connor
07/19/2014
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and my memories of Jan are fond. She was such a passionate teacher and advocate for students and her profession. She was a wonderful colleague. I will always remember the passionate speech she delivered to the school board in May on behalf of her colleagues whose retirement benefits were on the chopping block. She was strong, unwavering and persuasive in her address to the board and sitting in the audience, I was proud to be her friend and colleague. I will miss her. Our school family will never be the same without her.
Cynthia Nahas
07/19/2014
I worked with Jan at Merrill. I am so sorry to learn of her passing.
Her passion for teaching and love of students spilled over in her generosity to share materials.
Jan will be in my prayers.
neice dawn chipman
07/19/2014
My aunt was a very special lady we had fun when she came to town when I was baptized she sang to me a beautiful song called welcome to the family her voice was amazing me and dana dressed in similar dresses my grandma made when the ceremony was done my aunt took me in a separate room just so me and her could have a wonderful talk about how god just washed all my sins away and heelped me understand the lord better we all had a great time and she will always have a place in my heart and will surly be missed and I give my condolences to ed and dana and calvin may she rest in peace
Kristin Vogel
07/18/2014
I worked across the hallway from Jan for the past two years at Merrill and I was inspired everyday by her passion for children. She was the first to fight for the underdog and her compassion for others was truly remarkable. I will remember how her eyes lit up as she showed off videos or photos of her grandchildren, and how she talked with pride about her past students. She always made me see things through a different perspective as we planned lessons for our students, and there will be hole in the Merrill hallways without her smile and encouragement!
Pam Skinner
07/18/2014
I had the pleasure of working with Jan at Brody Middle School. I will forever remember the delightful Saturday we took our special needs students to the Omaha zoo together. Jan was always thinking of ways to give her students life experiences above and beyond the classroom. I admired her giving nature and dedication to her students.
Kathy Morris
07/18/2014
I am so sorry to hear this sad news.Thinking of you Dana,Ed ,and all who loved her ,Prayers and hugs.
Dottie Cammarasana
07/18/2014
I am so very sorry that Jan has passed. She was a strong, passionate and beautiful person, I am saddened by her passing and my love goes out to all who's days will be emptier without her.
neice stacey collison
07/18/2014
it was spending time with you and aunt sue and family in june i will forever miss and love you aunt jan i always will carry you in my heart love u
Brother Jim Comstock
07/18/2014
Raindrop, the nickname Dad gave you as a baby, I am so glad Nancy and I were able to spend 10 days with you and Sue in June. We had some very memorable moments in your short visit. You will be dearly missed. Until we meet again love always.
Clemencia Spizzirri
07/18/2014
My heartfelt condolences go out to Jans family. I will surely miss the presence of a truly inspiring and kind friend, mentor and teacher
Chris and Jim Joslin Faust
07/18/2014
More than words can express, is the sadness my heart feels when thinking that Jan is no longer with us here....more than words can express is my faith that she is in the arms of her Heavenly Parent.
She was an inspiration, both in teaching and in her testimony of God's enduring love. Love to all of her family.
Megan Hill
07/18/2014
I remember Jan as the committed, supportive, and spirited mother of my good friend Dana, and guardian of Beau and Calvin. I have happy memories of her attending concerts and recitals at Wartburg, and of watching Dana's municipal band concerts with her and Beau before going out for a celebratory slice of pie. I know that you all have so many more beautiful memories of her, and I hope that they can be a comfort.
My deepest condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Kathleen Babbitt
07/18/2014
My family and I are all so sad at the loss of Jan. She was a wonderful person who made everyone she met feel special and uplifted. We will truly miss her. Many prayers for your beautiful family.
Kaylee Reininga
07/18/2014
This past year I was a student of Mrs.Morris and she was the best language teacher I will ever have. She always believed in me and was always nice to me. I am so glad that she was my teacher.
Deb Henry
07/18/2014
I had the pleasure of teaching with Jan at Brody and visiting her at Merrill when my kids were students there. She taught me a lot about teaching as well as being a mom. What a great inspiration she was! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Know that she touched many, many lives in her time here.