Janice (Oppenlander) Bracken was born on February 1, 1940, to Ralph and Lyneta Oppenlander. From a young age, her life was rooted in faith. She began attending Sunday School at six, accepted Jesus as her Savior at seven, and was baptized at eight, holding onto the truth of Romans 10:9 throughout her life.

Jan didn’t just believe—she served. By age twelve, she was already teaching Sunday school and playing piano. She continued serving through her youth and into adulthood, always faithfully using her gifts for the Lord.

In 1963, she married William Bracken. Their life together included years in Senegal, West Africa, where Jan volunteered in an orphanage and developed a deep love for missions. In 1968, she became a mother to her only child, Valerie. In just over 20 years of marriage, she moved 21 times, trusting God through seasons of constant change.

In 1981, Jan prayed that God would remove anything that kept her from Him. Through difficult seasons, including a cancer scare and a move back to Kansas in 1983, her faith deepened as she fully surrendered her life to Christ.

From 1983 to 2006, she faithfully cared for her parents while continuing to serve others. At age 53, she earned her degree in Christian Education, reflecting her lifelong commitment to growing and serving. She poured herself into ministry as a teacher, leader, musician, and encourager.

In 2006, she moved to Shawnee, Kansas, to be near Valerie and her husband, Tim. There, she continued serving through her church, teaching piano and investing in the next generation.

Even in her final weeks at age 86, Jan’s mission never changed. Known as “the flamingo lady,” she gave out over 145 flamingo pins to hospital staff, each with the message: “Thank you for caring for me. You are flamazing. You will be on my prayer list.” She continued sharing the love of Jesus until her very last days.

On April 14, Jan stepped into the presence of the Savior she had loved all her life. This world was not her home, but her impact will be felt for generations. And just like the flamingo pins she placed in so many hands, her legacy continues—small, intentional, full of love, and pointing always to Jesus.

Janice’s Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, May 9 th, 2026, at Community Life Church, Shawnee, Kansas