Janice L Marcus

Janice Lyn Marcus—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, friend, advocate, and ally—passed away peacefully on September 21, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah after battling dementia for several years. She was born May 15, 1950 in Dragerton, Utah to Ross and Gloria Poore. Janice spent her childhood in East Carbon before moving to Salt Lake City, where she attended Highland High School.

In her youth, Janice loved to dance and was a proud member of the Highland High Pep Club. She attended the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Janice taught first grade at Canyon Rim Elementary for 16 years before returning to the U to obtain a Master’s Degree in Social Work. This education led to Janice serving as a school counselor at Oquirrh Hills Middle School and later as Executive Director of The Family Support Center, as well as a professor in the Social Work Master’s Program at the University of Utah. She opened a private mental health practice in Holladay, where she supported and counseled countless individuals over a 24-year period. 

In her personal life, Janice treasured her time with family, spending weekends boating and camping at Flaming Gorge, cross-country skiing, and traveling the world with her husband. Janice developed her creative skills, becoming a talented painter, skilled quilter, and a Master Gardener. She was a strong ally to the LGBTQ+ community and served as President of PFLAG Salt Lake City. 

Janice is survived by her husband of 40 years, Jim Harvey; her two sons Todd Marcus and Thomas Marcus (Joshua); her two stepsons Mike Harvey and Jessie Harvey (Ryan); her grandchildren Asher, Sophie, Andrew, and Nathan; her brother Ross Poore (Chris); and her sister Jeannie Poore. Janice is preceded in death by her parents Ross and Gloria Poore, and her brother William Poore. 

A celebration of life will be held in spring, 2025. In lieu of flowers, Janice’s family encourages donations to PFLAG.org or to any charitable cause of your choosing..