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. Janet was a dedicated mother and woman of God who brought smiles to the faces of anyone lucky enough to know her.

Born on July 10, 1939, in Sterling, Illinois, 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: Bernadette, Mary Kay, Christopher, Ames, Scott, Neil, James, and Joshua, and also fostered many more. Janet was proud of her family and devoted her life to caring for them. Her love for her children was matched only by her dedication to her fourteen grandchildren: Katie, Corey, Tristen, Catherine, Kelli, Ebony, Stephen, Dillon, Brittany, Aerin, Alex, Noah, Neveah and Alyx and 10 great grandchildren. Se cherished every moment spent with them.

After many wonderful years in the Byron area; Janet moved to Harmony at Tucker Station in Kentucky where she continued spreading joy to the other residents. She quickly made friends with both the staff and residents always making sure to brighten their days when she could. She was affectionately known as the Yarn Lady; and would be given yarn, since shew as known for knitting hats for charity or knitting gifts for anyone who would like one.

Janet will be remembered for her kind heart and sweet smile. She believed in spreading good in the world and volunteered whenever she could. She especially enjoyed volunteering with the St. Vincent DePaul Society and helping with funeral luncheons at church. She enjoyed doing crafts and used those talents to help in the prayer shawl ministry; making sure those who were sick could be wrapped in love.

Janet is survived by her sisters, Jane Bianchi and Mary Kay (Bill) Murphy; eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry forward her legacy of kindness and love. Janet was predeceased by her parents, husband, and siblings Verrell, Clyde, and Vaile.

A Christian Funeral Mass celebrating Janet’s well lived life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Byron. Visitation will be held beginning at 9:00 AM until time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society. Rockford Council St Vinvet DePaul Society

Rest in peace, Janet.