Janice E. Dutcher, 85, of Greenwood, Delaware, passed away unexpectedly on October 12, 2026.
Born in April 1941 in Wilmington, Delaware, Janice was the daughter of John and Doris Parsons.She grew up in New Castle and was a proud graduate of William Penn High School.
Throughout her life, Janice worked in a variety of positions and was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. For more than 40 years, she worked alongside her husband in the operation of Ben Dutcher Mason Contractor, Inc.
As a young girl, she enjoyed working at Wilmington Dry Goods, and over the years also served as a secretary for several employers, including the Middletown Senior Center and George Plummer’s in Rehoboth Beach.
Janice will be remembered most for her love of photography, her devotion to animals, and her passion for preserving memories. She served as historian for the First State Corvette Club, a role that perfectly reflected her talent for documenting special moments through photographs. A lifelong cat lover, she found great companionship in her beloved feline friends.
Music brought Janice much joy throughout her life. She especially enjoyed country music and the popular music of the 1950s, although she also came to appreciate many of her daughters’ favorite artists and songs.
She is survived by her two daughters, Deborah Dutcher Wilson (Glenn) and Dawn Marie Dutcher Graney (Joe), her beloved grandchildren, Joshua and Emily Graney, whom she adored; her sister Alice Thielemann; her nephew Michael Smith; and her cherished cats: Tabitha and Little One.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ben Dutcher and her parents.
The family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Janice’s honor to the SPCA or Humane Animal Partners (formerly the Delaware Humane Society), reflecting her lifelong love and compassion for animals.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 18 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home at 119 NW Front Street in Milford, Delaware. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm. Interment will be private.
Janice’s warmth, dedication to family, love of animals, and gift for preserving memories through photography will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and forever dear.”
Arrangements by Berry-Short Funeral Services.
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