Janice Lorraine Israel

Janice Lorraine Israel, 76, of Ladson, SC passed away on Monday, July 8, 2024. 

Born on May 15, 1948 in Milwaukee, WI, she was the daughter of the late Marion Schulz Lusher and the late Louis Lusher. 

Janice was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She grew up with her cousins of whom were like sisters, Carol Ralian, Doreen Whitfield, and the late Diane Witzel. Then she gained two sisters, Karen Halverson and Debi Nelson, when her father remarried. Her father was a man of the earth and a WWII Veteran. She was raised hunting, fishing, tapping maple trees, snowmobiling, and riding horses. Her mother was not only religious and got her heavily involved with the church, but also taught her how to play poker and cook a mean pot roast. Because of that, she was a great cook and really enjoyed sharing that with the people she loved the most. She was a baptized member of her local Lutheran church and graduated from Milwaukee Lutheran High School.

Then one day in 1965 she met a sailor, Thomas J. "Jeff" Israel, that would become her husband of 27 years and the father to their 3 children. Jeff was often transferred around the United States while in the Navy and she accompanied him for many adventures to include Japan, Mexico, and Canada. She was a civil service employee for over 20 years that allowed for many job opportunities within the civil service earning many promotions and accolades, some of which allowed her to travel to Turkey, Italy, and England. She ended her career in the Virginia Beach area as a comptroller and former trainer in support of the Atlantic Fleet.

She lived in West Warwick, RI to Seattle, WA, where Tamara was born, to Guam to Brunswick, GA to Lexington Park, MD to San Diego and Camarillo, CA, where Daniel was born, to OKC, OK to Millington, TN, where David was born, to Chesapeake, VA.

Always placing family at the center of her life, she was constantly on the road taking her children to all of their various sporting and band activities to include out of state tournaments, etc. 

She eventually moved to the Charleston, SC area to be closer to her children and eventually her grandchildren who affectionately called her "Gram", which she absolutely LOVED! Everyone who knew Janice knew how much she was deeply devoted to her family and living life to the fullest with them. She was present at almost every event and actually anything that would support her grands or her kids. She lit up like a Christmas Tree and would beam with pride and cherished the moments when she was able to watch Katelyn jump horses, Morgan swim, and Logan play soccer and would relish in their accomplishments regardless of the scale.

She was incredibly talented in the arts and she was heavily involved in crafting. She did woodburning, drawing, tole painting, glass painting, stained glass, flower arranging and had her own side business, crocheting, cake decorating, played with guitar, sang in the choir for several churches, and was even trained by a former member of a high level opera. Gardening was a hobby that got her outside along with feeding the birds/birdwatching and being in her beloved mountains of Beech Mountain, Massanutten, Lake Lure, and Sapphire Valley which was her favorite.

She was exceptionally devout in her Christianity and held many positions and taught many classes within the churches that she attended while traversing the country. The latest being she was active in leadership in the Sisterhood Ministry at Seacoast Church in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Some of her absolute favorite times were spent at family dinners and game nights, but the true cream of the crop was definitely Christmas. She loved the magic of the holiday, what it actually stood for, and the way we would all come together to celebrate. It brought her so much joy, especially if we were able to celebrate the holiday in the mountains.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents. 

Janice is survived by her daughter, Tamara Vandiver; her son, Daniel Israel and his wife Kati; her son, David Israel; her sisters, Karen Halverson and Debi Nelson; her granddaughters, Katelyn Vandiver and Morgan Vandiver; and her grandson, Logan Israel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cavalier Rescue Trust @ cavalierrescuetrust.org and the Tri-County Veteran Support Network @ TCVSN.org/donate.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, 869 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, SC 29445, 843-553-1511.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 11:00am at Seacoast Church in the Chapel, 750 Long Point Rd., Mount Pleasant, SC 29464. Afterwards, we will gather at a local restaurant. The response will determine which restaurant has room for us. PLEASE RSVP to PatriotEventServices@gmail.com.