Janis Rossman Brown

July 26, 1937 - July 15, 2013
Janis Rossman Brown


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Janis Rossman Brown, 75, of Wilmington, NC, passed away peacefully Monday, July 15, 2013 at her home, with her dog Benji by her side.

Born on July 26, 1937, in Bellefonte, PA, she was a daughter of the late John Hubert and Louise Wetzler Rossman. She was a graduate of Temple University Nursing School and worked as an ER Nurse, Occupational Health Nurse, and retired from the US Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC before moving to Wilmington, NC. Janis was a member of Harbor United Methodist Church, the Red Hat Society, the Fairfield Park HOA, the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE). She was a volunteer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center, was a breast cancer survivor, and an avid Duke Basketball fan.

Surviving, are three daughters, Karen Louise Bolton (Gary) of Huntsville, AL, Kristin Heckman Brown of Wilmington, NC, Kelli Aileen Naramore (John) of Cary, NC; a sister, Mary Belle Bechdel of Miami, FL; two granddaughters, Kristen Leigh Bolton of Miami, FL, Hayley Katherine Bolton of Los Angeles, CA; and her beloved and devoted companion, Benji, whom she rescued from Paws Place Dog Rescue.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Janis’ friends at Fairfield Park and the Harbor UMC family for their ongoing love, care and support.

A Celebration of Life will be 3 pm Friday at Harbor United Methodist Church with Reverend Curtis Campbell officiating. A family and friends gathering will follow from 5 pm until 7 pm at the Fairfield Park Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Paws Place Dog Rescue; 3701 E. Boiling Spring Road; Winnabow, NC 28479 or Harbor UMC Healing Ministry; 4853 Masonboro Loop Road; Wilmington, NC 28409.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • July 18, 2013
    Woody Teague says:
    I am sorry for your loss. as is written, When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. My presence will go with them and I will give them rest. May God Bless you and your family Woody

  • July 17, 2013
    Gail Russo says:
    Dear Kelli and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow and emptiness.

  • July 18, 2013
    Bonnie Bowden says:
    The first person I met when I moved into Fairfield Park was Janice, who came wheeling along on her 3 wheel bike and offered me any assistance she could give...what a nice lady. We both love and have lived with dogs so we have shared the love of a dog friend.

  • July 17, 2013
    Wendy Pokoski says:
    Jan and I shared so many good times! She will be forever in my heart! Deepest sympathy to her family!

  • July 20, 2013
    Deborah Pye says:
    Hello, My thoughts and prayers are with Jan's family. She was a wonderful lady whom I had the opportunity to know now for several years. I kept in touch with her and it was always so nice to catch up and see how she was doing. God Bless you Jan!!! Till we meet again....

  • July 16, 2013
    evelyn fitzgerald says:
    Janis' family--my heartfelt condolence to all of you in the loss of your beloved Janis! Her church family adored her and I always enjoyed visiting her through the good times and the bad...her contagious spirit was uplifting and positive despite her limitations. She will be VERY missed. Evelyn Fitzgerald

  • July 24, 2013
    Ana says:
    I am so sorry for your loss. The Bible provides comfort during these difficult times. Revelation 21:3,4 states "And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away". Very soon now, we will never experience losing our loved ones in death. Hope these words give you a new hope. jw.org

  • August 22, 2013
    Beth Rojahn Kleb says:
    I was so sorry to hear of Jan's death. We were room mates in Nursing School. After living together for 3 years we were more like sisters than room mates. She, Norma Mac Queen and I were quite a trio. Oh the stories I could tell! I married Army and she married Navy so we didn't get to see much of each over the years. The last time I saw her she was recovering from her breast cancer surgery i Bethesda Hospital. She tried to make it to our 50th Temple reunion in 2008, but couldn't because of her health. She was a great gal! First Norma left us and now Jan. I feel very lonely. May she rest in peace.