Janice Wiedey Obituary

Wiedey
Janice Wiedey
September 3, 1939
December 31, 2024

Janice Kay Wiedey died peacefully at her home in the Legend Senior Living facility in Colorado Springs. Her loving husband of 60 years, Richard Henry Wiedey, preceded her in death. Her two sons, daughters-in-law, grandsons, granddaughter-in-law, nieces and nephews spent time with her in her final weeks, days and hours.
Born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois, Jan was the eldest child of William Smoltz and Norma (Gilbert) Smoltz. She was a devoted wife, sister to William Smoltz (deceased), mother to Christopher and Curt, mother-in-law to Mary Jo and Diné, grandmother to Cole and Cade, grandmother-in-law to Brianna, and aunt to Robin and Greta.
She graduated from Edwardsville High School in 1957. Thereafter, she matriculated at Eastern Illinois University, where she graduated in 1961 with a B.A. degree in education. She and Richard were married and moved to Chicago, where Richard began professional studies at Northwestern Dental School. While in Chicago, Janice began her career as a fourth-grade teacher in the Palatine, Illinois school system. After Richard's service in the U.S. Air Force, they moved to Colorado Springs to begin a family and start a dental practice.
With the birth of her sons, Janice became a devoted mother and homemaker. As her sons grew older, she resumed her teaching career in the Academy District 20 school system. In the fullness of time, she left teaching to become the office manager of her husband's successful dental practice, where she worked for the remainder of her professional career, retiring in 2015. Together, Richard and Janice served generations of dental patients in the Pikes Peak region. Many of their patients became lifelong friends.
Janice was a regular volunteer in the community. She dedicated years of service to the Assistance League of Colorado Springs. She was an active member and supporter of Church of St. Michael the Archangel, where she served on the vestry as Junior Warden, and on the building committee to construct a new addition to the church.
Jan had a sense of humor and loved to laugh. She was always eager to hear a funny story, or tell one. She loved chocolate, jewelry, and shoes. She thought the telephone was the greatest invention, and she enjoyed talking on the phone to her friends and neighbors for countless hours.
She loved her home in Rockrimmon and filled it with many collections that she assiduously built and curated over many years. Her home was a source of strength and a place of lasting peace for her. She lived in her house until the last months of her life.
Together with Richard, Jan traveled to Greece, England and Italy on memorable vacations that made a lasting impression on her life.
Janice was a pillar of strength and stability for our family and her absence will forever leave a void in our hearts. We miss her dearly. We love you Mom, Grandma, Aunt Jan, and we will always remember you.
The family thanks Legend Senior Living for their compassion and professionalism. Memorial contributions in Janice Wiedey's name may be made to Church of St. Michael the Archangel, or a charity of choice.
Services of Thanksgiving and a celebration of life will take place on February 21, 2025, 11:00 am, at Church of St. Michael the Archangel, 7400 Tudor Road, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80919.