Janice K. Layden

Janice Kay Layden, beloved mother, sister, aunt, friend, and protector of cats, died on March 13^th, 2024, in Lafayette, Indiana. She was 76 years old. 

Jan was born on December 9^th, 1947, to Chuck and Maxine Layden in Lafayette, Indiana, joining her big brother, Max. Their younger brother, Ron, arrived six years later.

Jan was a gentle, kind soul with a strong spirit, battling her way back from early health issues to thrive and enjoy a happy childhood. Jan was a willing and frequent accomplice to Max’s mischief, with cousins Pam and Jody often joining in the fun. 

Growing up in the shadow of the Indianapolis 500, Jan was a racing fan from an early age. Among her racing heroes, Parnelli Jones held a special place, and her knowledge of his triumphs, along with those of other drivers, was encyclopedic. 

As much as she loved racing, Jan’s pride and joy was her son Jim, born in 1969. Jan and Jim were exceptionally close, and she was a good-humored and resourceful mom. She nurtured Jim’s interests in music, animals, and cars, which were passions of hers, too.

Jan was a deeply loved and respected member of the Layden family. She loved catching up with her niece and nephews, and later, their spouses and children, and was always the first to lend a hand with busy holiday gatherings. 

Jan began her career in the Agricultural Economics department at Purdue. She left Purdue after many years to realize a lifelong dream of working at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, sharing her vast knowledge of the sport with others who lived and breathed Indy car racing. She had many happy memories from her decade at the track. She finished her career at Ivy Tech.

After her family, Jan’s heart belonged to her cats. Many, many stray cats won the lottery by going home with Jan. In recent years, Jan would join Sunday Zoom calls and her family would watch a parade of happy cats settle on her lap, eager to be close to her as she chatted with her relatives. Jan will be deeply missed.

Her survivors include her son Jim, brothers Max and Ron, niece Kathy, and nephews David, John, Dan, Patrick, and Elliot. 

Friends may call from 1:00 PM until the funeral service at 2:00 PM Tuesday March 19 at Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St., Lafayette, IN, Fr. David Buckles officiating. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery. Memorials in Janice’s name may be made to Loving Heart Animal Shelter, 512 Veterans Memorial Parkway E, Lafayette, IN, 47905. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home of Lafayette is honored to serve the Layden family. Memories and condolences may be left at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com