Janice Youman

Janice A. Youman, 79, of Rockford, passed away peacefully but unexpectedly Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center. Jan was born on December 8, 1943, in Freeport, IL to June and Arnold Shoemaker. Jan attended Rockford West High School, graduating in the class of 1961, and worked in a variety of roles in Rockford. However, her primary and most beloved role was that of being “Mom” and running the family home. In her later years she especially loved being a grandmother.
Jan is survived by her children Breisa (Donald) Grandolfo and Benjamin (Kristine) Youman; grandchildren Nathanial Youman, Nicholas Youman, and Katherine Youman; brother-in-law Rick (Marilyn) Youman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jan was preceded in death by her sister Carol and husband Ron.
Jan will be remembered by her love of her family, colorful stories of family lore, extreme passion for all animals and wildlife, and feeding her treasured neighborhood birds and squirrels. A graveside service will be conducted at Big Mound Cemetery on Big Mound Road in Davis Junction, IL on Saturday, July 8 th at 12:00 pm with a small memorial and gathering to be held after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jan’s name can be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, Inc ( www.noahsarkanimals.org ) or a charity of your choosing. Stateline Cremations ( www.statelinecremations.com ) in Loves Park and Farrell Holland and Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley ( www.farrellhollandgale.com ) are assisting the family.