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302-478-7100 Wilmington & Hockessin, DE

Janice Carlisle Geddes

In Loving Memory of Janice Carlisle Geddes

A Celebration of Character, Strength, and Renovation Projects

Janice Carlisle Geddes left this world peacefully at age 79, at her home.

Jan was intelligent, beautiful, creative, unfiltered, and possessed a will strong enough to bend rebar. She was a wonderful dancer and a fearless renovator. Described by many as a force of nature, she was born with a natural talent for reinvention and design.  Mostly self-taught, her construction skills were honed over decades of home and business projects.

She earned her degree in Business Marketing and Graphic Arts & Design at the University of Delaware. Her professional achievements ranged from fashion model to Director of Tourism and Economic Development for the State of Delaware. She was also a Recent Past President of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the State of Delaware, active in the preservation of historic sites and stories.

Jan threw herself into entrepreneurial life and created the Brick Garage/Pack Rats Place, a hidden gem in Kennett Square where she sold a curated collection of antiques and timeless treasures. For several years, she hosted a thoughtfully crafted haunted house at her shop and organized a holiday light parade in downtown Kennett. She was a behind-the-scenes champion for local businesses, helping them build a social media presence.

Jan lived most of her life in Delaware and Chadds Ford, raising three kids who continue to carry her intelligence and stubborn spark.

  • Rodney Paul Peddrick, his wife Monica, and their children Emma, Tate, and George
  • Wendy Alexis Peddrick Sears, her husband James, and their children Nicolas and Christopher
  • Elizabeth Geddes, her husband Dan Comer, and their children Beatrice and Ellis

She was predeceased by her husband William Worth Geddes Jr.

Funeral Services

Services will be held at Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Greenville, Delaware, on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11am, with a reception following.

Condolences

    Mary B. Hickok lit a candle and writes,
    Jan was a very good friend for a very long time. So many memories. The Christmas she made me a pillow that said “Life is short! Eat dessert first“. So many dinners at her impeccably decorated dining room table. The dogs! The amazing trip to Bermuda with Jan, Emily and John Tepe, to celebrate Wendy’s wedding. Rest in peace. Miss you already.
    08/08/2026 04:34 pm
    Natalie willis writes,
    Hi, my name is Natalie Willis. I was Jan's caregiver for the past two months, and I loved her just like she was my own grandma. She was so warm and personable, and I genuinely enjoyed taking care of her. She will be missed.
    08/08/2026 08:36 pm
    Katherine Bergholtz writes,
    Jan was a giver—she simply couldn’t help it! She was wise, funny, and such a beautiful being who created a vibrant world around herself and generously shared it with everyone lucky enough to know her. May she rest in peace. She is dearly missed by so many.
    08/09/2026 07:15 am
    Katherine Bergholtz lit a candle and writes,
    Shine on Dear One
    08/09/2026 07:17 am
    ANNA BIGGS writes,
    I knew Jan through the Dames. We spoke many times about the Gunston fund raiser. She never shied away for lending a hands. My love is sent to the family. May your fond memories help you through this difficult time. Best anna
    08/09/2026 07:38 am
    Max Reynal writes,
    Jan Geddes, A force of nature! One hand holding a cocktail, the other a nail gun. May she bring cheer, and mischif to the heavens Much Love, Max
    08/09/2026 01:33 pm
    Catharine Lyons writes,
    A beautiful tribute. Jan’s spirit and joie de vivre are captured perfectly.
    08/10/2026 09:41 am
    Shoshana lit a candle and writes,
    I send my deepest condolences any sympathies to the Geddes family. I remember vividly every moment I spent in a room with Mrs. Geddes. She was elegant, brilliant and a force of nature -a genetic and nurtured legacy that is evident in her children and grandchildren. Sending just so much love.
    08/10/2026 12:37 pm
    Paula Childers writes,
    Sorry for all who lost such a beautiful soul to all friends and family, friend of walter bower
    08/10/2026 01:26 pm
    Linda Dillow lit a candle and writes,
    I knew Jan through the Dames and it was my honor. I love the phrase in the obituary that said she had a will strong enough to bend rebar. That is spot on and congratulations to her for living a life so true to herself. I offer my deep sympathies and hopped for peace to her family and friends who will surely feel her loss.
    08/10/2026 03:49 pm
    Barb Nagyiski lit a candle and writes,
    Jan was an elegant and beautiful lady inside and out. She was a wonderful boss as Director of Tourism and I was fortunate to be her secretary. We shared a wonderful working relationship and a very special friendship. Her abilities in creativity and designing were always amazing. Jan was a very dear friend to me and I will cherish all the memories we had together.
    08/12/2026 03:48 pm
    Rosita Pierre Francois writes,
    I send my sinceres condolences to Geddes family. The travel of Jan affects me a lot. I considerate Myself more than a caregiver. She loved me so much, and I loved her too. We were friends and we talked about everything. She even shared with me some private talks about her life. She called me the best. I was happy to put a smile on her face at her final days. Jan loved life. I hoped she would stay longer, but God wanted her to return back Home. I admire Jan’s courage. My friend rest in peace until the day we’ll see again, at the Day of the Lord Jesus Christ. 🙏💗
    08/14/2026 01:21 pm
    Mary Bennett writes,
    I did not know Jan well, but being the President of the NSCDA in Indiana, I was able to know her through Facebook. She was always liking my posts and making comments and I loved following her posts of her family, business, gardens and life. I am so very sorry to learn of her passing...she was a gem! With Sympathy, Mary Jaquelin Bennett
    09/02/2026 11:17 am
    Keisha writes,
    I send my sincerely condolences to the Geddes family.. I just want to tell u . Janet was a sweet prettylady outgoing &unstoppable lady.. She was very pretty& always dress& always kept a smile on her face at all times.. Me & Janet had a bond that’s unstoppable,Where Once I arrive on my shift .. Jan can be in the bed, Once ! JAN heard my voice that was it.. We spent a lot of time together talking laughing dressing& watching tv & Even doing..Jan’s hair… JAN is a lady I will never forget.. We talked played & hug numerous of times... Jan !!!I just want u to no.. I can not stop the tears from falling,Only if u knew how much u missed by me.. Just so hard to explain… Long as I live , I will always think bout u & keep a smile on my face thinking of u& Always made sure .. I went above & beyond for my Jan!! Just would like to say.. I love u Jan!! U tough me a lot of more knowledge then what !! I no.. Love You !! To the moon & back.. Thanks for the words u taught me.. Love Keisha!! Your best friend
    09/10/2026 04:26 pm
    Keisha lit a candle and writes,
    Jan u sure will be missed.. You are a sweet wonderful loving person.. Always kept a smile on your face , Always made a way to teach & give a word to follow in life
    09/10/2026 04:34 pm
    Kemp Vye writes,
    Janice and I went to Dickinson HS together. Her classmates knew she was going to go on to have a special life. We will miss you Janice.
    09/12/2026 10:28 am

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