Janice Elaine (O'Brien) Brochu

July 3, 1942 – April 5, 2025

Janice Elaine O'Brien Brochu, 82, of Weathersfield, Vermont, went home to be with the Lord on April 5, 2025, in Portland, Maine. She fought a long battle with Alzheimer's over the last decade and found much joy with the people who cared for her. She lived fully as she interacted with family, visitors, and staff, and was a source of happiness for all who surrounded her.

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, on July 3, 1942, Jan was the daughter of Robert and Maxine O'Brien. She grew up in North Providence, where she spent summers waterskiing on Waterman Lake, was an active member of The Rainbow Girls, and taught Sunday School at St. James Episcopal Church. She graduated from North Providence High School in 1960 and later from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI.

On February 19, 1966, Jan married the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Joseph Brochu. Together, they built a life that spanned several states over their 47-year marriage, raising a family and cultivating deep friendships along the way.

Jan was a woman of many talents and boundless creativity. She could paint, decorate, needlepoint, loom weave, and knit, always crafting keepsakes with love—especially at Christmas, her favorite time of year. She was known for her handmade ornaments, intricate calligraphy, and heartfelt gifts that now live on as family treasures.

She had a beautiful singing voice and, each Christmas Eve, would joyfully sing hymns alongside her husband Bob at midnight mass—filling the church and their hearts with music and devotion.

Her faith was the foundation of her life. Jan was a committed member of every church she joined, often serving in children's ministries and church administration. She and Bob co-founded Partners in Ministry in Georgia and later helped establish a home group program in Connecticut that continues today. In New Hampshire, they were founding members of Grace Anglican Church in Newport, where Jan served faithfully, including overseeing the church bulletin.

Jan also loved golf and spent many happy days on the greens at Crown Point Country Club. Her warmth, generosity, and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.

Jan is survived by her sister Christine Scholz; her four children, Robert Brochu Jr., Eugene Brochu, Michael Brochu, and Karlyn Grant; and her ten beloved grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert (Bob) Brochu.

Her ashes will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Highland Memorial Park in Rhode Island this summer, returning to her roots with her soulmate.