Janice L. Niedzwiecki

Janice L. Niedzwiecki, 78, of Rockford, passed away on Thursday, March 19, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Jan was born October 7, 1947, in La Salle, Illinois, the daughter of Stanley and Sophie Rose (Peterlin) Wallis. She married Terry W. Niedzwiecki on June 22, 1968, at St. Valentine’s Catholic church in Peru, Illinois.

Jan received her secretarial major associate’s degree from Midstate College of Commerce in 1966. She later worked as a record specialist at Northern Illinois University in their graduate department for many years until her retirement.

Jan was dedicated to her faith and a longtime member of St. Rita Catholic Church in Rockford. Above all else, her family was at the center of her world. Jan was especially proud of her grandchildren as she loved to attend their many sporting events and cheer them on. She found joy in reading, hiking, great appreciation for nature, and dancing.

Jan is survived by her husband of over 50 years, Terry Niedzwiecki; her children, Lisa (Scott) Mellentine, Chrissy Niedzwiecki-Preston, and Scott (Kristi) Niedzwiecki; her grandchildren, Garrett (Mackenzie) Mellentine, Dalton Mellentine, Lauren Mellentine, William Niedzwiecki, Owen Niedzwiecki, Logan Preston, and Amber Tomasino; her great grandchildren, Addison Tomasino, Anthony Tomasino, Baby Mellentine on the way and one sister-in-law, Beverly Wallis. She is predeceased by her parents, her brothers, Stan and John Wallis, and many dear friends from her Lasalle Peru High School Class of 1965.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jan’s name to the La Salle Peru Foundation.

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd, Rockford IL, 61108. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford Il, 61108.

Share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.