Janice Marie Porter Flaherty

Janice was born on May 10, 1939, in Fort Dodge, Iowa, to Milton and Grace Porter. The eldest of five children, she had fond memories of growing up on her family’s farm surrounded by her siblings and many cousins.

Janice loved to share stories of attending a one-room schoolhouse and the fun she had there. After graduating from Fort Dodge High School, she moved to “the big city” of Des Moines to attend the Iowa Methodist School of Nursing. Following her graduation, she worked as a nurse for nearly a decade, caring deeply for her patients and forming lifelong friendships along the way.

In 1967, Janice met and married the love of her life, Bill Flaherty. Together they made their home in Des Moines, where they raised three children. Janice cherished her role as a mother—volunteering in the PTA, serving as a room mother, and organizing countless school events.

As her children grew, Janice began her second career by opening an in-home daycare. For nearly 20 years, she lovingly cared for dozens of children, many of whom remained dear to her long after they were grown. She delighted in hearing updates about “her kids” and was so proud to see many become parents themselves.

Janice’s greatest joy was being a grandmother to her six grandchildren. She followed every milestone, celebrated every success, and was happiest when one—or ideally all—of them were near. At the time of her passing, Janice was eagerly awaiting the arrival of her first great grandchild, due in January.

Janice and Bill shared 53 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2021. They were inseparable partners in life, and while Janice carried on bravely, she never fully recovered from his loss. This week, they were reunited at last.
Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill Flaherty; her parents, Milton and Grace Porter; her sister-in-law, Marty (Miesemer) Porter; and her brother-in-law, Marv Barber.

She is lovingly survived by her children Rick (Gretchen) Flaherty, Lynn (Rusty) Rose, and Kristi (Troy) Troncin; her siblings Cheryl Barber, Dwight Porter, Randy Porter, and Ginnie Clark; her adored grandchildren Jeremy, Oscar (Sky, fiancé), Carter, Camden (Miriam, fiancé), Porter, and Grace; and many cherished cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Janice will be remembered for her warmth, humor, kindness, and the unconditional love she gave to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Services will be held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Hamilton’s near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m., followed by funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Please rejoin the family and the funeral home for a luncheon following the burial.

Memorial contributions in Janice’s name would be appreciated to Food Bank of Iowa or a desired children’s charitable organization of your choosing.

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