Janet Bricker

Janet Bricker, 83, of Carlisle, PA, passed away on January 25, 2016 at the Church of God Home in Carlisle. Born March 14, 1933, in Harrisburg, PA, she was the daughter of the late Wilbur F. and Margaret (Witmer) Beam Hocker.

She will be remembered as a loving wife, a devoted mother and grandmother, an accomplished artist and a loyal friend to the many people who were lucky enough to be a part of her life. Her friendships were many; she even had regular visits with a group of her high school friends from Lower Paxton High School class of 1950. Janet was always helping those in need, including every stray animal that came her way. She embraced everyone who came through her door and fed them whether they were hungry or not. An avid gardener and lover of the outdoors, she cherished the time spent at her family cabin. Family was her focus and she could not dote enough on her grandchildren. Beautiful blue eye, always with a natural sparkle, portrayed her loving nature.

While she raised her family, Janet owned and operated a local beauty shop, later she was the proprietor of an art gallery in Carlisle.   Traveling and taking pictures for future paintings were favorite pastimes.   Socially active, she was a member of Barnitz United Methodist Church, the Pennsylvania Society of Watercolors, the Capucine Artist Group and many other local art and history organizations.

Janet was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Ret. Colonel Clarence A. Bricker and her son Craig Bricker. Surviving are her two sisters, Marian Hocker of Newville and Margaret (Peggy) Hocker of Harrisburg; one brother, Richard Beam of Newport; and two daughters, Melanie Wertz and husband, Fred Wertz of Newport and Tammy Karstetter and husband, Randy Karstetter of Newville. Also surviving are two grandsons, Steven Sayers and his fiancée, Becky McCommons and Jesse Karstetter; one granddaughter, Dakotah Karstetter and her fiancé, Josh Miller; and two great granddaughters, Makenzie and Morgan Sayers.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 6, 2016 at 11:00 AM in the Barnitz United Methodist Church, 23 Church Lane, Carlisle, PA 17015 with Rev. Matthew Plant officiating. A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Celtic Hospice, 900 Century Drive, Suite 201, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055 or Carlisle Arts Learning Center, 19 N. Hanover Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 or Cumberland County Historical Society, 21 North Pitt Street, Carlisle, PA 17013. Visit www.hollingerfuneralhome.com for condolences to the family.