Janice Ann Donaldson, age 83, passed away at Cedarhurst of Breese on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
Janice was born in Breese on June 29, 1942, a daughter of the late William “Goody” and Virginia (Hammel) Goldsmith. She married Charles Edward Donaldson on December 7, 1963, and he preceded her in death on February 12, 2002.
Janice devoted much of her life to teaching and caring for others. She began her career in Aviston before teaching in Pensacola, Florida, Greenville, South Carolina, and later Decatur, Alabama. She also enjoyed cross stitching and dearly loved her poodles. Waiting to welcome her into Heaven were her beloved companions Rochelle, Babette, Colette, Katie Dog, Bridgette Marie, and Giselle.
Janice is survived by her sisters, Mary Ellen Etter and Brenda Young; and her nieces and nephews, Mike Isaak, Kim (Don) Kauling, Gerald (Diana) Donaldson, Alan (Pam) Donaldson, and Wilson (TJ) Donaldson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Virginia Goldsmith; her husband, Charles Edward Donaldson; her in-laws, Howard and Dorothy Donaldson, Jordan and Margaret Donaldson, and a special brother-in-law, James Etter; and two nephews, Sean Michael Ferguson and Jonathan Ferguson.
Private services for Janice will be held, with burial next to her husband at McKendree Chapel Cemetery near Keyesport.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mrs. Donaldson may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL 62231. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.ZierenFuneralHome.com.
