Janice Irene Garceau Crawford, born December 30, 1933, peacefully returned home on September 29, 2026, at the age of 92. Born in Littleton, NH, to Raymond and Helen Garceau (nee Sherman), Janice spent most of her life in Woodsville, NH, graduating from Woodsville High School in 1954. Janice was honored to share, anytime it came up, that she successfully saw four more generations graduate from her high school. On June 18, 1955, she married William Crawford, and later welcomed three sons.

Janice worked at Chamberlin’s Greenhouses as a florist for many years, and later at Glazier Hollow Nursery, operating the “Bloom Room”. After decades in the floral industry, blessings from the Chamberlin family, and the support of Rick Henson, Janice ventured out on her own and opened Jan’s Bloom Room.

Janice’s flower shop quickly became a gathering place for many who enjoyed stopping by for a game of cribbage, a cup of tea, or light-hearted banter. There, you could always find Janice working with a smile, her husband Bill, at least one or two family members or friends, and her faithful Belgian Malinois, Max, by her side. She kept her doors open for years and welcomed anyone who wanted to learn the skill of floral design, including the area 4-H groups. Janice truly had a gift for flowers and people. She’d joke that, although she loved having her own business, she was not necessarily a “businesswoman.” Whether it was a birthday, holiday, or high school dance, Janice ensured that anyone in need had flowers for their loved ones, or a corsage or boutonniere for their school dances, many times asking for nothing in return.

After closing her shop doors, Janice realized retirement life wasn’t really for her after all. She decided to join the team at Walmart, working in the produce department. There, she was able to continue her love of caring for plants and flowers, while also staying connected to those who would stop by to say hi. Janice talked fondly of her Walmart colleagues and loved celebrating various holidays, specifically dressing up for Halloween with her coworkers.

In her free time, Janice enjoyed crafting, gardening, foraging, cooking, and spending time with her family. She enjoyed various games and unabashedly admitted to cheating whenever given the opportunity. She was actively involved in cribbage tournaments at the Legion, which provided her with the opportunity to brag about who she “skunked.”

In addition to caring for her family and active social life, Janice was known for her love of animals and willingness to take in any creature who needed a home or rehabilitation. This trait led to her becoming the caretaker of a raccoon, whom she would cook scrambled eggs for, an otter, and several squirrels. In addition to the wildlife, which she successfully nurtured and returned to their “rightful homes,” she had many companion animals, including iguanas that she would take for walks, ferrets, finches, parrots, and several cats, Andre, Shadow, and Maybe, which she treated like royalty.

Janice was deeply devoted to her community and contributed to nearly every local organization, both through her business and personally, donating time, money, and supplies. She was a longtime member of the Order of Eastern Star for over 70 years, an active member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary through Ross Wood Post #20 in Woodsville, a devout congregant of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where she was recognized as the longest-serving communicant, and avidly supported the Ammonoosuc Fish and Game Club, including organizing and cooking for the annual bean hole dinner.

Though her roots in New England were strong, Janice loved exploring new places and embracing diversity. She fostered this love by taking many wonderful trips, including travels to Scotland, Prince Edward Island, and Puerto Rico. A lover of Celtic music and Scottish culture, Janice was proud to be a Crawford. A name that also carries with it strong ties to White Mountain history.

Janice will be remembered for her sharp tongue, quick wit, stubborn nature, independence, dark sense of humor, and her loving heart. She was known to many as a soft place to land where one could fill their hearts, souls, and bellies with good food, endless cups of tea, and a hearty laugh. She lived life with the teachings of Jesus always guiding her to give freely and accept thanks humbly.

Janice was predeceased by her husband, William Crawford, her parents, Raymond and Helen Garceau, her stepmother, Ruby Garceau, and siblings Norma Crutcher, Joyce Mann, Louine Derusha, David Lund, and Nancy Watson.

She is survived by her three sons: Raymond, Bruce (Risa), and Daniel (Deanne) Crawford. Four grandchildren: Kimberly (Vincent), Eric, Shane (Ashley), and Racheal Crawford. Eight great-grandchildren: Kera (Robert), Shania, Ollie-Ana (Joe), Jack, Sebastian, Bailey, Jessica, and Emilie, and two great-great-grandchildren: Gwendolynn and Gryphon. She is also survived by siblings Jean MacQuarrie, Joanne Paul, Percy “Bucky” Lund, Bonnie Huggett, and Kathy Salls.

It is impossible to list everyone who Janice held close to her heart, but the deceased and survivors include many nieces, nephews, close cousins, and dear friends who bear mentioning.

Calling hours will be held at Ricker Funeral Home on Friday, October 16th, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Woodsville, NH, on Saturday, October 17th, at 10:00 am, followed by a light luncheon provided by the Ladies Auxiliary at the Wells River Congregational Church. Graveside service to be announced at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate in Janice’s name to a local organization that holds meaning to you.