Janice Wass Flatter

Janice Wass Flatter, known lovingly as Janice, passed away on June 17, 2026, in Maryland at the age of 86 after a heart attack. She was born on January 28, 1940, in Toledo, Ohio, and lived a life marked by faith, devotion, intelligence, and a deep love for her family, her students, and the many people whose lives she touched. Janice was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Charles Flatter, with whom she shared nearly 59 years of marriage. Together, they built a family grounded in love, curiosity, and steadfast support. She was the cherished mother of Chris Flatter, Julie Flatter, and Jennie Cox, and she was a loving mother-in-law to Cindy Flatter, married to Chris, and Joe Cox, married to Jennie. Her family was the center of her life, and she treasured every role she held within it. She was a proud grandmother to Melanie Maier and her husband Karl Maier, Brian Flatter and his wife Addie Flatter, Joseph Ornelas, Jillian Ornelas, Joshua Ornelas, and Jacob Cox, and she delighted in being a great-grandmother to Lucie Maier. She is also remembered fondly as a sister-in-law to the late Art and Marilyn Mulling, and the late John Flatter. She is survived by her caring sister-in-law, Mary Lou Flatter. Janice’s early education began at Northwestern University before she returned to her hometown roots and earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo. She later studied Guidance and Counseling and received her master's degree from the University of Toledo as well. Her commitment to learning reflected the thoughtful and determined way she approached every part of life, and her educational achievements opened the door to a long and meaningful career in public education. In her early years after earning her undergraduate degree, Janice worked for the Fontana Unified County School District in California. She often told memorable stories from that time, including the purchase of a Rambler American from the principal of the school where she worked, a car she paid off through her teacher’s earnings. After graduate school, she moved to Maryland with her husband and devoted most of her career to Prince George’s County Public Schools. There, she served as a Guidance Counselor, Drama teacher, and English teacher in several secondary schools throughout the county before retiring from the school system. Her students benefited not only from her knowledge, but also from her patience, encouragement, and belief in their potential. Janice’s service extended beyond the classroom. She became a Stephen Minister and offered comfort, wisdom, and compassionate counsel to many congregants who were going through difficult seasons in life. Her Christian faith was central to who she was, and it guided the way she cared for others. She had a steady presence, and in this role as Stephen Minister, she was often the kind of person others turned to when they needed understanding, reassurance, or a listening ear. Outside of her work and ministry, Janice embraced life with creativity. She loved making and collecting porcelain dolls, and she and her husband shared a passion for antiques and cruising. Their travels took them around the globe, where they formed lasting friendships and gathered countless stories that became treasured family memories. Janice also enjoyed Hallmark movies, reading romance novels, and making jewelry, even beginning to create pieces in her new home at Lorien Assisted Living during her final months. As a young high school and college student, she loved theater productions, speech and debate, and Musicarnival in Cleveland, Ohio. One of her favorite roles was Anna in The King and I, a part that reflected both her grace and her love of performance. Janice will be remembered as a passionate, faith-filled, and intelligent woman whose life was rich with purpose and love. Her family and friends will carry forward the strength of her example, and the many lessons she shared through both word and deed. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Janice Wass Flatter, please visit our floral store.