Janice Eckersley

Janice Leone Palmer Eckersley, 88, passed away of natural causes August 25th, 2020, in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Born April 1st, 1932 in Salt Lake City to Vernon E. Palmer and Ethel Ure Palmer. She was the second of four children and adored her siblings. She'd often talk of the adventures she and her brother Bob would get into and always told the story of how he taught her to drive. Despite her humble beginnings Janice was always smiling and doing what she did best, loving others.

She graduated from Granite High School and later served a mission to The New England States Mission. She loved her mission especially Nova Scotia and Greenfield, Mass. where she met and became lifelong friends with her missionary companions and others. After returning from her mission, Janice attended Brigham Young University, something she was always proud of.

Janice met Joseph Eckersley while on a committee for a local dance, they danced the night away and the rest was history. On November 23, 1964 Janice married the love of her life, Joe, and not too long after they purchased their first home together, where they raised their three children, whom they adored. Janice happily stayed home to raise their children. Once the children were grown she took jobs at a few different schools doing clerical work.

She worked with many lovely ladies, some of whom are never to be forgotten friends. For her last job, she worked at The Coventry where she spent 10 wonderful years as their front desk concierge and made even more friends. One thing that could be said about Janice was that she was always collecting and keeping friends. Whether from school, her mission or work, Janice made quick friends and would keep them for life. Janice loved gardening, especially her roses. She was also a talented seamstress, making wedding dresses and, once, over 400 seat covers for the Salt Lake Temple, which she sewed in her basement; another story she was always proud to tell.

Being born on April Fools Day, it was no wonder Janice was such a tease and fun loving. She loved her BYU basketball/football and the Utah Jazz, hearing her cheers from the other room was a common occurrence. She could never eat alone and you best believe you were getting offered cake, cookies, ice cream, etc anytime you went to go visit her.

Janice had a very strong faith in the LDS church, she loved going to the temple and was always ready to serve. She of course loved watching conference, along with BYU basketball and football with Joe.

She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph H. Eckersley, her son Joseph Michael Eckersley and her daughter Jodie Lynn Illingworth. She is survived by her son, Jeffery Eckersley, grandchildren, Chris Anscomb (Desiree), Lisa Eckersley and Jason Eckersley, great-grandchildren, Alexuis, Tristan, Deven, Makayla, Aiden and Ben. She is also survived by her sister, Linda Palmer Aune (Arne), as well as many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, August 31 at 11 am at the Cottonwood Heights 4th Ward Chapel, 2522 E. 6710 S., Salt Lake City. Friends and family may call Monday morning from 10:00 - 10:30 am before the services. Interment will be at Mountain View Memorial Estates.

Thank you to Inspiration Hospice and The Wentworth for their kind and loving care.