Janice Mehay's Obituary
Janice passed away at McKinley Court Nursing Home in Decatur, Illinois of
complications from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) .
Janice was born Janice Elaine O’Bryan on February 13th 1945 to James Bennett and Ruth
(Pope) O’Bryan and one of seven brothers and sisters. She was raised in Taylorville
Illinois and later, when the family moved, in Decatur, Illinois. Janice was married to
Ernest Samuel Giblin from 1963 to 1970 and to David L. Mattison (now of Ocala,
Florida) from 1971 to 1980. During this time Janice completed classes and earned enough
credits to become a Certified Nurses Aid to help the family make ends meet and also to
do what she cared about most which was helping other people. David and Janice
separated in 1980 and at this time Janice remained focused on caring for her sons Jason
who was at home and Sam who was now in the military.
After Janice’s son’s were grown she took a job at the Linton Nursing home in
Linton, lndiana in late 1988 to be closer to her mother and father who had previously
moved to this community to retire. Janice met and eventually married Louis Mehay Jr.
and led a very happy and fulfilling life in Dugger, Indiana. Janice had many hobbies and
very much enjoyed fishing and being with her friends and family. She also helped
volunteer with her Mother Ruthy at American Legion and VFW charity events
throughout the years which made them both very happy. Because of the onset of serious
illness to both Louis and Janice in 2005, Janice moved back to Decatur. Illinois to be
closer to both of her sons.
Janice was preceded in death by her first husband Ernest Giblin, her sister Jackie
Harp, and her father James Bennett O’Bryan.
Janice is survived by: Louis Mehay Jr. (Husband. Bloomington,IN). Samuel J. Mattison (Son, Decatur,IL), Jason A. Mattison (Son, Decatur, IL). Ruthy O’Bryan (Mother, Linton, IN), Jimmy O’Bryan (Brother,
Linton, IN), Judy O’Bryan (Sister, Linton, IN), Dennis O’Bryan (Brother, Linton. IN),
Jeffery O’Bryan (Brother, Decatur, IL.), Joseph O’Bryan (Brother, Decatur, IL.), and
many nieces and nephews and close family friends.
Arrangements have been made with Graceland/Fairlawn funeral home for Janice. Per Janice’s wishes there will not be an open service and
all online condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
Memorial contributions if given are asked to be in honor of her name and donated at the ALS Association website “alsa.org” to help prevent the onset and suffering of people with this disease.
Our family and Janice would like to thank first and foremost the nurses and staff
at McKinley Court nursing home and DMH Hospice for your professionalism in showing
class in your approach to being patient, caring and compassionate in helping Janice in the
final stages of her life to be as comfortable as she could possibly be. Great job! She loved
you for it and “our hats are off’. Thanks to the staff and residents of Oxford House
apartments for asking about her and saying as many kind things as you did during her
transition to McKinley Court. Also, to all of the family’s friends and co-workers for your
contributions and understanding that helped us through this difficult time. Finally, to her
cat Bucks who gave her companionship on so many stressful days and nights.
We all love you Ma and will see you again someday.
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