Morland (Norman), Janice E.

Janice E. Morland (Norman), 70, of North Liberty, passed away unexpectedly on Monday morning, Dec. 30, 2013, at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. She was just beginning yet another exciting chapter in her life when she was taken from us. Per her wishes, she will be cremated.

Janice was the first born of four children to Carl and Audrey (Jones) Norman. She was born in Marshalltown, Iowa on Feb. 2, 1943, and grew up on the family farm near Union alongside her sister and brothers, Carla, Stan and Dave. Her foundation in life was embedded from a close-knit farm community composed of relatives and friends, and a Quaker upbringing. In 1960, she graduated from the Union-Whitten school system and later attended Southeastern Community College.

In 1958, she met Glenn Morland while roller skating; they began writing letters and were later married June 12, 1960, at Liberty Church in New Providence, Iowa. Together they had five children, Shawn, Dianna, Lorelei, Michelle and Eric.

She spent most of her life in Iowa, including the Union area, Vinton and Burlington, but she also lived in the states of Washington and Missouri. Glenn and Janice moved to the North Liberty community 13 years ago to be near family.

Janice loved her family dearly, and looked forward to any opportunity to spend time with them. Their annual trips to Colorado to see her sons and their families, and take in the mountain scenery were special to her. She looked forward to outings with her daughters, including trips, sight-seeing, or watching a sunset.

She was an avid genealogy researcher, collecting knowledge and communicating with others throughout the country and sharing family stories. She was fascinated with geology, and had a collection of rocks from throughout the world.

She spent hours dedicated to her gardens, took special care to feed birds, loved taking photographs and writing letters, was an excellent seamstress, an avid reader, created projects, including her own custom cards, was always eager to learn, and put her heart into anything that she pursued.

Regardless of where she lived or what she did, she loved life, she loved to laugh, she loved to give hugs, and she loved her family and friends.

Janice is survived by her husband of 53 years, Glenn; as well as her children: Shawn (Chris) Morland of Colorado Springs, Colo., Dianna Holder and Lorelei Kurimski of North Liberty, Michelle (Mike) Wichman of Coralville and Eric (Tracey) Morland of Erie, Colo. In addition, she is survived by her grandchildren, Steven Holder, Jennifer Owen, Sydney Morland and Jared Kurimski; and three great-grandchilren, Levi and Juliette Owen and Skylar Holder. She is also survived by her sister and brothers: Carla (Bill) Dougherty of Sothborough, Mass., Stan (Pam) Norman of New Providence and Dave (Linda) Norman of Union; many nieces and nephews; extended family and friends; and a dear aunt, Helen.

She was preceded by her parents.

Janice requested there be no funeral services. Because she cherished gatherings, a celebration of life and remembrance is being arranged by the family.

In lieu of flowers or a memorial fund, it was Janice's wish that donations be made to the American Diabetes Association in hopes for more research and a cure.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the Web at www.gayandciha.com.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service is caring for Janice's family and her arrangements.

Mom had a heart of gold…she was one of a kind….our hearts break that we lost her too soon.

Published Jan. 2, 2014 in The Gazette