Janyce Marie Houser, “Jan”, passed away on April 19, 2020 at the age of 72. Janyce McConville was born in Knoxville, Iowa on May 15, 1947. Jan is preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Jo McConville; and survived by daughter, Michelle Houser, grandson Dylan Hollins, and granddaughter Emily Hollins, brother Mike McConville (Lois) and sister Mary Evans (Mike).
After moving to Phoenix in 1956, she graduated from St. Agnes Elementary School, North High School and attended Phoenix College. She would later give birth to her daughter Michelle and begin her long and illustrious career at American Express, where she would retire in 2013 after 45 years. Throughout her life, she participated in the St. Patrick’s Day tradition of the McConville floats and traveled far and wide, from Japan to Australia.
In retirement, she was an indispensable part of the St. Gregory Elementary School, St. Mary’s High School, and Xavier College Preparatory communities supporting grandchildren, Dylan and Emily. Jan volunteered in the Creighton School District coordinating volunteers and reading two days a week with first grade students. She had a love for sewing, quilting, and knitting with several projects always in the works. Jan had a dear network of extended family and friends with whom she would routinely spend time and celebrate. Jan is fondly remembered for her clever renditions and spectacular gift of connecting with those she encountered and loved.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, July 8, 2020 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012. Interment will follow at the St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Arizona. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Jan’s memory can be made to Catholic Education Arizona. Condolences and Hugs from Home may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Yvonne Pastor
Dear Michelle and Family:
Experience Corps Phoenix is so saddened of your Mom’s passing. She was a bright spot on the gloomiest of days with her smile and sense of humor. She improved the lives of generations to come due her leadership as a Site Coordinator and volunteer tutor. She and I spent a lot of time last summer together – as she helped us in our office. I will always remember her with her glass filled with ice that she carried with her as we often joked about it. She always spoke about Michelle and her grand children with such pride. Thank you for sharing her with us!
Susan V. Jones
Dear Ones – – Though I was blessed with knowing Jan for only a few years as we worked together with the Creighton School District, through the arm of Experience Matters/Experience Corps, I recognized immediately and genuinely appreciated her spirit of love, cooperation and generosity. She spoke well, and often, of her wonderful family! I know it gave her much happiness to work with her grandchildren’s schools!!!
She gave unselfishly of herself to her work with the Creighton school children, to her fellow mentors, and to the Creighton Administration, as well as to the dynamic Experience Corps network. She will be sorely missed, yet she left an incredible mark in our hearts.
Celeste ,Ray and Family
My Sincere Condolences .❤ Jan was a Wounderful Friend and the Best Naibour any body could have . Miss you Jan, till we meet again. Maybe we will be naibours in Haven again. God Bless you +++
Cammie and family
The moment you laid eyes on her all you could see was her beautiful soul. You all are still and have been in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan dewane
Why I loved Jan,
I always smiled when with her. Loved her cheerful way. And her sense of humor.
Grateful We had a conversation a few days earlier.
Joanie
Janet McConville
I am so sorry for you loss. I met Jan at one of the McConville reunions back in Centerville, IA and she was delightful. My prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Lisa Golle
Jan was, by far, one of my favorite work colleagues. I was proud and honored to call her my friend. I know she will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. My prayers are will you and your families.
Chad & Keccia
“All things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
When I think of all the gatherings we had, I can not help but be reminded of the wonderful conversations we had with her and how she made us feel upon parting. Brighter and lighter, with an eagerness to re-engage on the next meeting.
Amica, ave atque vale.
barbara colgate
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jan was my best friend from the day we met and she brightened every day. We were welcomed into the entire family and made to feel at home and loved in our new country. Jan will always be in our hearts and thoughts, hope she is now at peace with her lovely parents and looking down on us all with her big smile.
Barb Bovee
I was so fortunate to know Jan as a kid. Even then, I was impressed that she always treated Mary and I with such respect and kindness, and a lot of fun! I remember when she first got her convertible, she and Mary picked me up to go for a joy ride. Not many big sisters would do that. My condolences to all.
Valentino Fuentes
Michelle, Dylan, and Emily. I’m so sorry for the loss of your Mother/Grandmother. May she Rest In Peace and be an Angel to guide you through the rest of your lives.
Maureen DeGrose
She was always a shining light at St. Gregory School, so helpful and always a smile. I appreciated her help and support always. She will be missed by so many. My love to you, Dylan and Emily.
Monica Dominguez
Jan was one of my most favorite person in the whole country and even the world. She was not only a dear coworker but one of the sweetest souls I have ever encountered. I used to call her my honey bunny. She was kind, caring and very funny. We have so many good memories from her at work and I will miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with her whole family whom I know she will be watching over. know heaven is a much better place with her in it.
Roni Naylor
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We deeply share your sorrow. Jan had a very special caring and selfless nature with a happy and glowing personality, and lots of wits. We greatly will feel her void. We both knew Jan for about 50 years or so… And for many years after retirement we kept our friendship. Jan named our little group of friends ‘Lunch-Buddies’. We will keep going with this tradition and hope to have Shelley step in and take her empty spot.
Janyce, you will always remain vividly in our memory! God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Roni and Larry Naylor
Renee Bauer
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jan’s family and friends. Jan was an amazing, wonderful and kind person. She always made me smile, especially when she teased my husband about his cowboy boots and not being a cowboy. She always had a smile for all and the world has loss a bright shinning light of love. RIP dear Jan, and send your shinning light down on the world. Love Renee
Debbie Russell
God has called Jan home to spread sunshine over the world with her big, beautiful smile and her wonderful sense of humor. I loved working with her and could always count on her to share her deep knowledge of the merchant side of the business at American Express. My deepest and sincerest sympathies to her family and friends who now have a giant hole in their hearts. May your memories of Jan bring you comfort in the days and years ahead. Rest in paradise, my friend!
Nancy Abalos
I so dearly miss my good friend of over 40 years. I still can’t believe she’s not with us. Her very friendly, kind, generous and loving nature is missed by so many she has touched. She always made me smile. Janyce was so very proud of Shelley, Dylan and Emily and exhumed joy when talking about you. You were the center of her universe. I will miss her so much at our luncheons, and Shelley, I hope you will join us at our next get together so we may honor your Mom on a personal level. You are very welcome to join our Lunch Buddies group any time. May your Mom be at peace in heaven with her Mom and Dad.
Diane Gilman
Jan was such a special person. She just glowed with humanity and kindness and for all. I was honored to be able to say she was a part of our team in Establishment Services Operations at American Express. Between her and Birdie Nelly they kept me on my toes…….. our world is a little less bright With Jan in it but heaven has More sunbeams with her there now. Rest In Peace Jan.
Kathleen Allasia
Jan was truly an extraordinary woman and admired by everyone who knew her. She had enthusiasm and a wonderful smile. She provided guidance in our elementary reading tutoring program twice a week. When I joined the school tutoring team, I recognized her face but just couldn’t remember where we met, but then it came to me, we both worked at American Express so we were able to discuss the good old days.
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Kathy Allasia
Janis McNeil
Dear Family and Friends
My most sincere condolences. I had the opportunity and pleasure to work alongside Jan at Experience Corps, Phoenix. She always lit the room up with her lovely smile, up-beat personality and positive attitude. We will all miss her deeply.