Janice Mary Genua passed away on August 23, 2026, just weeks before her 83rd birthday. She leaves behind a remarkable life defined by faith, selflessness, service, creativity, adventure, and an unmistakable sense of humor.

Born on September 7, 1943, Janice graduated from high school in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1961. Following graduation, she devoted decades of her life to her faith as a nun, beginning what would become a lifelong commitment to caring for and serving others.

That commitment became one of the defining principles of Janice's life: service before self. She gave freely of her time, compassion, strength, and talents, often placing the needs of others before her own. Whether through her faith, her profession, her country, her community, or simply by being there for someone who needed her, Janice believed deeply in helping others and lived that belief through action.

Her service extended well beyond her religious vocation. Janice proudly served her country as an officer in the United States Army, working as a nurse and serving during Desert Storm. Her dedication to public service continued through her time as a reserve officer with the San Francisco Police Department. Throughout these chapters of her life, she demonstrated courage, discipline, compassion, and an enduring sense of duty.

Yet Janice could never be defined by titles or accomplishments alone. She was spirited, fiercely independent, compassionate, adventurous, and wonderfully witty. She had a natural gift for making others laugh and met life with curiosity, humor, and a willingness to experience everything the world had to offer.

Creativity was woven deeply into who she was. A gifted artist, Janice expressed herself through painting and sculpture. She loved traveling, dancing, discovering new places, and embracing new experiences. She lived with color and character-equally at home creating something with her hands, sharing laughter with those she loved, or setting out on her next adventure.

Janice is survived by her loving sister, Barbara Dowling of Wolcott, Connecticut, and her lifelong friend and confidant, Maddie Marie Nesmith, whose enduring friendship held a treasured place in Janice's life. She is also survived by many cousins, friends, and countless loved ones whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Janice lived many lives within one extraordinary lifetime: woman of faith, nun, nurse, Army officer, public servant, artist, traveler, dancer, sister, and cherished friend. Through every chapter ran the same thread -- a generous spirit, a courageous heart, and a belief that a meaningful life was one lived not only for oneself, but in service to others.

Her life was one of purpose, but also one of color, laughter, movement, and adventure. Those fortunate enough to have known Janice will remember not simply what she accomplished, but how she made people feel, the laughter she inspired, the kindness she extended, and the extraordinary woman behind it all.

May her memory live on in the lives she touched, the people she served, the art she created, and the stories and laughter she leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial donations be made in Janice's honor to PAWS of Honor (www.pawsofhonor.org) or the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org), causes that reflect the compassion and care she carried throughout her life.