Janice was born Feb. 11, 1946 to the late Jim and Bernice (Buehler) O'Connell. She was named "Janice" the (Ja) from James, and the (nice) from Bernice. Janice was born to Eternal life, April 5, 2018. Loving wife of the late Jim Higgins (2016) for 39 yrs.

I'm Mom to: Maureen, Mike, Colleen (Rob Palmatier), Tim, Patrick (Heather), Kevin (Ellen), Dan (Holly), Katie (Doug) Rasmussen, Brian (Erin) and Jimmy (Niki). I'm Grandma to: Colin, Andy (Jess) Scholz, Caleb, Sean, Keelin, Liam, Julia, Melanie, Sibella, Emma, Grady, Margaret, Joey, Marketa, Josiah, Ella and Jack. I'm Great Grandma to: Sydney. Sister to Mary, Brian (Lillie) and Michael (Kitty) O'Connell.

Preceded in death: 1st husband Terry Lee Wernicke (1968), daughter Teresa (Teri) Lee Wernicke (1968), 2nd husband Jim Higgins (2016), and parents J. James & Bernice O'Connell.

Janice was a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Grade School (1960) and Pius XI High School (1964), and MIT (1968). She was an LPN at St. Anthony's Hospital for 17 years, followed by countless years of volunteer service at Christ King, Pius XI High School, and the St. Vincent De Paul Meal Program. Janice loved crocheting, sewing, playing cribbage, sheepshead and Berny's poker games, making crafts, travelling with Jim, and cooking for her family.

The family is grateful for the loving care and attention Janice received from the staff at St. Camillus for the last 14 months.

Funeral services will be held at CHRIST KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2604 N. Swan Blvd. in Wauwatosa on Wednesday April 11, 2018 from 9:00-11:30am, followed by a Mass and luncheon at Christ King Parish Center. There will be a private service for the immediate family at Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials for Masses appreciated.

Do remember all the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Remember them and they will NEVER forget you!

Note: obituary prepared by Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home