Janice B. McCrea (1926-2021)

MCCREA, MCQUILLEN, WHORTON, HEISCH, WISKUS

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 1/23/2021 at 15:34:36

Janice Beryle (McQuillen) McCrea, 94, of Olin entered into eternity on January, 21, 2021, after suffering a stroke while under rehabilitative care at the Monticello Nursing Home, Monticello, IA. Celebrant Jay Jacobson, will officiate Janice’s Graveside Service at 1:00 PM, on Monday, January 25, 2021, at the Tipton Masonic Cemetery, Tipton, IA. In lieu of flowers, and in Janice’s memory, a memorial fund has been established for the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, IA. Family asks that all cards and memorials be mailed c/o David McCrea, to 12242 70th St, Olin, IA 52320. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com .

Janice, daughter of William ‘Lester’ and Helen Bernice (Whorton) McQuillen, was born on Wednesday, December 1, 1926 in Center Township of Cedar County, IA. She graduated with the Tipton High School Class of 1946.

Janice and the love of her life, William ‘Darrel’ McCrea, eloped to Cedar Rapids and were married on Saturday, July 17, 1948. Janice and Darrel were blessed with four sons. After spending a great part of her life devoted to her family as a homemaker and farmer, Janice later worked for the Olin School District and the Olin Library.

Janice was of the Methodist faith and was a member of: The Women’s Club, the Circle “J” Square Dance Club, the softball Pitch Club and was past president of the Athletic Boosters. Janice square danced for over 20 years and up until her mid 50’s, played fast pitch softball and held the position of pitcher.

Janice had a great love for children and her family; she enjoyed being outdoors: fishing, living the farm life and gardening. She was blessed with a “green thumb”; she gardened both vegetables and flowers. She canned, made pies for family gatherings and was known to have numerous plants and flowers around her yard and home. Janice also had the prolific ability and desire to crochet. Over the years, she used this talent to root her infinite love in the fabrication of numerous handmade table cloths and gifted them to family members.

Janice is survived by, sons, Dale (Patricia) McCrea of Springfield, IL and David McCrea of Olin, IA; daughter-in-law, Denise McCrea of Olin, IA; grandchildren, Kiel, Holly, Glenn, and Kara; and 6 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Helen; husband, Darrel; sons, Keith Ray McCrea and William ‘Donald’ McCrea; sisters, Dorie Heisch, Vivian Wiskus; brothers, Lewis McQuillen, Francis McQuillen and Warren McQuillen; and grandchildren, Megan McCrea, Melissa McCrea and Mitch McCrea.

We are sorry for these times of COVID and how it has changed the shape of our precious gatherings, but along with the health and safety of everyone present, our main concern is serving Janice's family and facilitating their ability to grieve, without added stress or worry.

Family and Fry Funeral Home respectfully ask that attendees follow four guidelines during Janice's graveside service:
1) All attendees wear masks,
2) Groups that arrive together, stay together
3) Keep a 6 foot spacing
4) Avoid hugs and handshakes