Janet M. Brown

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Janet M. Brown, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. Janet passed away peacefully at the age of 86 on July 12, 2025. She was a devoted wife, mother and devout Catholic who brought smiles to the faces of all who were lucky enough to know her.

Born on July 10, 1939, in Sterling, Illinois, she was the daughter of Clyde and Margaret (Vaile) Scott. She graduated from Newman High School in 1957.

Janet married the love of her life, Neil Brown, on July 9, 1960. Together, they raised eight wonderful children and fostered many more. Janet and Neil were proud of their family and devoted their lives to caring for them. Their love for their children was matched only by their dedication to their fourteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. They cherished every moment spent with them.

Janet and Neil raised their family in Stillman Valley, Illinois, before moving to Byron after their children were grown. In their final years, they relocated to Louisville, Kentucky, where they both continued to share their warmth and kindness with those around them. At Harmony at Tucker Station, she quickly became a beloved friend to both staff and residents. Affectionately known as the “Yarn Lady,” she was often given yarn to support her passion for knitting hats for charity and creating handmade gifts for anyone who wanted one.

Janet will be remembered for her kind heart and sweet smile. She believed in spreading goodness in the world and volunteered whenever she could. She especially enjoyed serving with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and helping with funeral luncheons at church. She loved crafts and used her talents to support the prayer shawl ministry, making sure those who were ill could be wrapped in love.

Janet is survived by her sisters, Jane Bianchi and Mary Kay (Bill) Murphy, her eight children: Bernadette (Daniel), Mary Kay (JB), Christopher (Edith), Ames (Mary Jane), Scott (Noma), Neil (Kim), James (Yolanda), and Joshua, fourteen grandchildren, Kathryn, Corey, Tristen, Catherine, Kelli, Ebony, Stephen, Dillon, Brittany, Aerin, Alex, Noah, Nevaeh, and Alyx, and ten great-grandchildren: Janet, Frank, Neil, Vincent, Riley, Liam, Lanika, Kaydin, Tyreach, Jezel, all of whom will carry forward her and Neil’s legacy of kindness and love. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Neil, and siblings Clyde, Vernon, and Vaile.

A Catholic Funeral Mass celebrating Janet’s life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron. Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society:

Rockford Council St. Vincent de Paul Society

Rest in peace, Janet.