Janice Russell Brickey

Janice Russell Brickey died peacefully with family by her side on April 29, 2024, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The last 7 years Janice’s mind was slowly taken over by the cruel disease of  Dementia, however her true spirit, heart & 'Joie de vie' never changed.  Her famous last quote, which she said many times a day during the last year of her life was, “Que sera sera, whatever will be will be.” It became her mantra. True to her spirit at its core.

Janice was born in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah at the Holy Cross Hospital. She was the first born to Lois Taylor & Harry Silas Russell.  She went to East High School and was the Senior class historian. While at East High “BONZAI”, she fell in love with her one true love, Robert Emmett Brickey. She went on to graduate from the University of Utah with a degree in Elementary Education in 1961. She was an active member of The Alpha Chi Omega sorority, Beta Nu Chapter at the University of Utah. In 1961 she married her high school sweetheart,  All American Footballer & Air Force Academy Cadet, Robert Emmett Brickey, on June 6th 1961 in Colorado Springs, CO. Janice taught elementary school in Big Springs, TX & in Bakersfield, CA while her husband Bob was away in the Vietnam war. She never knew if he would make it home but she was home busy taking care of two young boys while staying steadfast in her love of “Bob Robert” and her country. 

They settled back in SLC, UT in 1965 where Janice was able to stay home and raise 3 children while Bob flew for Pan American Airlines. Janice went back to work in the mid-80’s and worked at Highland High School in the attendance office and then as a college counselor until she retired. She adored her Highland High family & students she helped.

Janice loved, more than anything, spending time with her friends and family. She was very social and stayed involved in many groups and organizations throughout her life. She loved people and was always cultivating new friends while maintaining friendships that dated back to her childhood days on 1345 Sherman Ave (which was the address she never forgot even with dementia).

She loved football! She was a big U of U fan as well as Air Force Academy Falcons & spent years tailgating and went to every home game. She was in the Crimson Club. She was a big part of the Junior League and went on to be a sustainer. She stayed involved with Alpha Chi Omega as an alumni advisor. She spent her retirment volunteering with many different oraganizations from the arts, to refugees to single individuals needing assistance. She was very generous with her heart & time.

Janice spent her summers playing tennis at the Salt Lake Tennis club with many long time and loyal friends. She enjoyed running and skiing until she needed a hip replacement and then decided to stick to walking, volunteering, and bible study.  She played Bridge monthly for 50 years with her same group of friends until the havoc of dementia took its cruel course. She loved her yearly get together with her East High friends where they sang songs around the piano and laughed. In her later years she found solace & friendship with the folks at the First Presybetarian Church of Salt Lake City.

Janice Russell Brickey will be remembered by all who knew her as a caring and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother & friend. She will be remembered for her easy smile, her even temperament and light hearted laugh. She was always thoughtful & giving to someone in need. She is survived by children David (Stacie) Brickey, Thomas (Heidi) Brickey, and Andrea Brickey (Kelly Hannah) ; grandchildren Xander, Isaac, Asher, MiaBella, Elijah, Aaron, Rosie, Jonah, and Lily; brother Roger Taylor Russell, (Kathy- deceased).  Janice was preceded in death by the love of her life, Robert Emmett “Sheely Gaston/VSH” Brickey in 2018, her parents Lois and Harry Russell, her dear brother Ray, and numerous other extended friends and family. 

A celebration of her life and small gathering of friends and family will be held June 5th from 11-1:00 at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 S. 900 E., Salt Lake City.  A graveside service will follow at 1:30 at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 342 E. 500 S. Salt Lake City.

The family would like to thank those at the Ridge who treated Janice with respect and compassion. 

In lieu of flowers, Janice would prefer you to be of service to someone else, offering a hand, a smile, or a kind word. Or you could just go eat some decadent chocolate. Janice would like that!