Obituary of Janice Marie Briscoe

Janice passed away peacefully in her home with her daughter by her side. She was born in Newport WA across the river from her hometown of Priest River, ID. She was the middle of five children born to Mart and Rowanna Gumaer. Her parents and siblings (Marcella, Carol, Nancy, and Robert (Bob)) proceeded her in death. In the late 1960’s, Janice followed her sister Nancy to Othello WA where she got a job at Chef Ready. It was there that she met her husband, Dwayne Floyd. In 1969 their only child, Denise Marie Floyd, was born. In 1972, Dwayne passed away. Janice did her best to raise Denise on her own with the support of her family. Janice struggled with the burden of mental illness, being diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia in the 70’s. Close cousins, Jay and Cora Nichols, stepped in to help raise Denise while Janice got the medical treatment she needed. In 1984 Janice married Michael Briscoe in Quincy WA, who she later divorced. In 2008, Janice moved into the Coventry House where she resided until her death. Janice (mom) had a smile that would light up the room. Her laugh was infectious. She loved to tease the Coventry House staff, often giving them a “love tap” on the bottom and then she would laugh until everyone in the room was laughing. The staff would often bring her a morning donut, which later became expected. Terri Nichols, a special cousin and good friend, would spend countless hours visiting with mom and spoiling her with a few of her favorites, fried chicken, Pepsi, and chocolate covered cherries. Janice had her special seat where she would monitor the comings and goings of staff and visitors acting as a gate keeper. Janice is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Denise and Brad Goodwin, four grandchildren, Dylan (Stephanie), Breanna (Luke), Rossen, and Sawyer, and three great grandchildren, Wyett, Whitlee, and baby Luke. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Janice was grateful for Jay and Cora’s unconditional love and support over the years, giving Denise a home, treating her as one of their own, with cousins who treated her as a sibling (Terri, Tony, and Vicki). A special thank you to the Coventry House staff for years of loving care where mom was allowed to be her true self and appreciated without judgement. In lieu of flowers, contributions could be made to the Coventry House (Othello WA, 99344) in loving memory of Janice. If you would like to offer condolences, cards can be sent to: PO Box 374, Lyndon Center, Vermont, 05850.