DOYLESTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA - Janice Comfort Walsh, 90, of Bucks County, PA, passed away peacefully in her sleep on March 11, 2016, at Pine Run Health Center. Born in Troy, NY, Janice was adopted at the age of three months in 1925 by author, activist and humanitarian Pearl S. Buck and John Lossing Buck, an American agricultural economist specializing in the rural economy of China. She spent her early years in China and Japan. She and her mother returned to Bucks County in 1934, and in 1935 Pearl Buck married Richard J. Walsh. The family settled in Green Hills Farm in Bucks County, PA.

Janice graduated from George School in Newtown PA and Antioch College in Ohio. She earned her professional certification in occupational therapy at the Philadelphia School of Occupational Therapy at University of PA. She also received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 1997. She served as an occupational therapist in hospitals and healthcare facilities in New Jersey, Massachusetts and PA in both staff and administrative capacities.

Janice was deeply devoted to the organizations her mother founded and served on the Board of Directors of Welcome House 1982-1991 and Pearl S. Buck International since 1980, serving as President for 12 years from 1985-1997.

In addition, she was dedicated to her mother’s National Historic Landmark home and cared for the grounds, restored the pond in front of her mother’s home and created a perennial garden in memory of her mother’s legacies which is marked by her words: “Welcome to the Rainbow Garden in honor of the children Pearl S. Buck International serves around the world. The variety of flowers and plants here remind us of the beauty of differences and the potential all children have to blossom.”

In her remarks, when she received her honorary Doctor of Laws degree, she said: “I share the beliefs of Pearl S. Buck that we are, indeed, all one family and believe it is important to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person, the acceptance of one another so that we may work toward the goal of a world community with peace, liberty and justice for all.”

Cherished by the volunteers, staff and Board of Directors of Pearl S. Buck International, Janice will be remembered for her generosity, kindness and commitment to her mother’s legacy. She is survived by her siblings: Richard, Jean, Edgar, and Henriette, her step-brother Paul Buck and their families who all mourn the loss of a beloved kind spirit.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pearl S. Buck International, 520 Dublin Road, Perkasie, PA 18944.

Arrangements by Varcoe-Thomas Funeral Home/Central Bucks Crematory, Inc., 344 North Main Street, Doylestown, PA.

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