Janice Marlene Hegenbarth (nee Gruis) passed away peacefully at her home at Maris Grove in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania, on February 26, 2026, with her beloved husband, Jack, by her side.
Janice is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Jack Hegenbarth; her two children, David Hegenbarth (Megan) and Jill Ungermann (Christof); her seven grandchildren — David (Lyndsey), Dominique, Brooke, and Estelle Hegenbarth; Christopher, Mikayla (English), and Nicholas Kienzle — and her treasured great-granddaughter, Stevie English. She also dearly loved her Iowa family who greatly enriched her life.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Elizabeth Gruis (nee Kessler), and her wonderful sister and brother-in-law, Adeline and Mervin Muhlenbruch.
Janice was born and raised on the family farm outside Thornton, Iowa, where she developed her lifelong love of the outdoors, hard work, and community. A graduate of Thornton High School in 1955, she continued her education at Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Iowa, graduating in 1957. She began her career as an assistant for an engineering firm in Mason City before life brought her many new adventures.
Janice met Jack in 1958, and they married in 1960. The happy young couple moved to Iowa City, Iowa, in 1961 where Jack pursued graduate studies in Chemistry. Janice worked at the University of Iowa Alumni Office, just across the street from Jack’s chemistry labs, and took pride in supporting his academic journey.
In 1963, Janice and Jack relocated to north Wilmington, Delaware, when Jack joined DuPont. A subsequent transfer in 1971 brought the family to Parkersburg, West Virginia, and ten years later they rebounded back to Wilmington. In each community, Janice’s warmth and generosity drew many dear friends who remained close throughout the years.
Family was Janice’s greatest joy. She hosted holiday gatherings, organized beach and skiing vacations, and preserved treasured memories through her photographs and her beloved Christmas cards, which she sent to friends and family far and wide.
In Parkersburg, Janice discovered a passion for golf, which she continued in Wilmington, enjoying league play and volunteering at the DuPont Country Club during the years it hosted the LPGA tournament.
Janice also devoted many years of service to others. She was actively involved with Bayard House in Wilmington, a charity that provides supportive services to pregnant and parenting young women.
When her children were finally launched, Janice and Jack traveled the world together — exploring Europe, Japan, China, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond — enriching their lives with new cultures and lifelong friendships that were celebrated year after year in her cards and letters.
Janice was a faithful member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Wilmington, Delaware, for more than 50 years.
A mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18th at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (4701 Weldin Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803), followed by a reception. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations in Janice’s memory to Bayard House of Delaware, 300 Bayard Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19805, or to a charity of your choice.
She will be remembered always for her warmth, generosity, and the unwavering love she gave to her family. — With love, the Hegenbarth Family
