Janice "Johnnie" VanEpps Allis

Janice VanEpps Allis, affectionately known to many as "Johnnie," passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14 2024, at the Cortland Regional Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Cortland, NY. 

Born on December 7, 1938, in Lincklaen NY, Janice was the daughter of the late Waldo and Myra Osborne VanEpps. Johnnie lived a life marked by dedication to her family and her profession. She devoted her career to nursing, serving with compassion and commitment at Cortland Memorial Hospital for several years. Her talents extended beyond the hospital, as she also provided care as a nurse for the McGraw Central School and the Cortland BOCES. Her nurturing spirit and professionalism left an indelible mark on her colleagues and the many lives she touched throughout her career. 

In her personal life, Janice was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was married to Richard Allis for 61 wonderful years, cherishing the moments they shared together. Her legacy continues through her loving children: Robert (Pilar) Allis of New Mexico, Patricia (Cory) Smith of McGraw, Susan (Rick) Urban of Homer, and Kathleen (Michael) Timmerman of Cortland. Janice was a proud grandmother to Jessica, Casey, Donovan (Sonya), Thornton, Alex (Whitney), Drew (Rachael), Erik (Madison), Maria (Patrick), Brody, Marissa, Michael (Marissa), Morgan, Seth and Zoe. She celebrated the joy of her great-grandchildren, Fianna, Jace, and Kaden. Janice is also survived by her brother, David (Diane) VanEpps of McLean, her brother-in-law, Eric Snow of Marathon, and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kay and Rod Birdsall of Scott. As a very loving, maternal figure, she touched the lives of many including Darla Jean and children, the Myers family, and countless foster children and Rotary exchange students, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Allis; her grandson, Keillan Allis; her sisters, Lucille McKee and Sara Snow; and her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Diane and Burt Abdallah. 

The community is invited to celebrate Janice's life during a visitation on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of McGraw, 20 E. Main Street, McGraw, NY 13101. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Janice may be directed to the Boiler Fund of the United Methodist Church of McGraw, P.O. Box 608, McGraw, NY 13101.  

Janice will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth, kindness, and dedication to her family and profession will forever be remembered.