On Tuesday, September 13 ^th , Janice Brasher's earthly light went out, and a new star began to shine brightly in heaven.  At the gates of heaven she is met by her parents, Thaddeus Bernard and Lillian, along with her twin brother Teddy (Thaddeus). At the age of 87 years old, she is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Bert V. Brasher.  Her children Robert Brasher, Catherine McGaughey and William Thaddeus Brasher carry on her legacy of love. Her Grandchildren became the focus of her life: Jordan Thaddeus McGaughey, Faith Morgan Brasher, William Thaddeus Brasher II, Brandan McGaughey and Cameron McGaughey.  Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews were a blessing to Janice.

She was born in a Pennsylvania mining town with the backdrop of a large family that was built around her father's 9 brothers and their families.  The familiar bond of family was woven into her being. The stories of hijinks with her twin brother Teddy are family folklore.  Cousin Carole was her best friend growing up and continued until the end.

Janice met Bert while working at Texaco in New Jersey and were married in 1962. Bert was the oldest of five, and that familiar feeling of a large family continued.  The new in-laws became brothers and sisters, in addition to being dear friends. Mom & Dad's family grew and over the years managed moves away from the core family on the West and East coasts to stints in Louisiana, New Jersey, Texas, Illinois, Wyoming, Connecticut and finally back to Houston, where they have lived since the late 70's.  Despite the distance, they managed to stay close with everyone.

As a mother she was an amazing provider.  She and Dad provided a home that was always safe and full of love and support  Creativity abound and was evident in her ability to make a Spam Casserole palatable along with her many talents in making budgets for a growing family work.  Unique sewing creations also emerged.  Some experiments worked and some didn't.  The ginger snap cookies she and Catherine made are still supporting the structural foundation of the Darien Municipal Library 45 years later.  She was always present for her children and their active lives.  She juggled it all in stride, with only the occasional, and much needed threat, to drop the kids off at the local penitentiary  (Love you Mom).

Mom transitioned from dedicated housewife to a guidance counselor secretary at Klein Forest High School in the Fall of 1981.  Every student that walked into the office was greeted with a "baby doll", "honey", or "sugar pie", whether she knew their name or not.  She brightened up the office and the lives of the students she touched.  She continued working at the high school until Bert retired from Texaco.

Always quick with a smile, she never met a person she didn't know, and her disarming charm to everyone she met was evident.  She loved playing golf and bridge at Northgate C.C. And always made the staff feel important and appreciated.  The gift of conversation was taken from her with complications of thyroid cancer.  A laryngectomy removed her voice box ten years ago and the golden tenor of her comforting tone.  The mechanical buzz of a monotone external speaker, activated by pressing it to her neck, allowed for her to communicate with those around her.  Amazingly, she was able to transform a cold, robotic hum into a warm, loving voice.

The last few years were routinely filled with recurring visits to MD Anderson or to the battery of specialists she saw.  She was fighting to see all her family hit their milestones.  Her capacity to fight is unrivaled and she demonstrated that on a daily basis.  She had multiple stays in hospitals in the closing years, and always made it her mission to make the medical staff smile.  She truly cared about others, and even the hundreds of needle and IV sticks couldn't contain her ever present glow or dull that twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes.

Mom/Nonnie, we love you and miss you already.  You were a bright light in our lives, and we will continue to remember you and your ability to fight for your family.

A Rosary Vigil and Visitation will be held at Klein Funeral Home Chapel

16131 Champion Forest Drive on Friday, September 23 ^rd

5:00-6:00 PM Family Visitation

6:00-7:00 PM Open Visitation

7:00-8:00 PM Prayer & Rosary Vigil

The Memorial Service will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in the Mary Chapel

19222 FM 249 Access Road on Saturday, September 24 ^th

Service at 11:00 AM

Reception to follow

In Lieu of flowers, please send to the MS Society www.nationalmssociety.org In honor of Janice Brasher.

The Funeral Mass can be live streamed by clicking on this link:

https://youtu.be/BQ6iOnu-zWQ