Janice Harlene Obrien

Janice Harlene O’Brien

Janice Harlene O’Brien, 84, passed away peacefully on August 12, 2026. She was born on January 3, 1942, in Canton, Illinois, to Josiah Harlene Brown and Emily Estella Quigley. She grew up in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and graduated with the Joplin High School Class of 1959.

During her younger years, Jan enjoyed being involved in Girl Scouts, dance lessons, and ballet. After high school, she moved to Tulsa in 1960 and attended the University of Tulsa, where she studied Physical Fitness. That same year, she married C. Michael Zacharias.

Jan later worked for Engler’s Film Supply and went on to marry Bill Lancaster. In her later years, she built a successful career in real estate, working as a property manager with HUD. Throughout her career, Jan received numerous Small Business Association awards in recognition of her work and accomplishments.

Jan had many interests and hobbies throughout her life. She loved painting and genealogy and was instrumental in helping establish the genealogy section at the Claremore Public Library. She was also deeply involved with the Claremore History Museum and took great pride in preserving and sharing local history. Jan was an avid Washington Redskins fan and enjoyed spending time around the farm her late husband, Joe O’Brien, had in Verdigris, Oklahoma, where he raised Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters.

Jan was a caring, accomplished, and dedicated woman who touched many lives through her work, friendships, and service to her community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Jan was preceded in death by her late husband, Joe O’Brien; her parents, Josiah Harlene Brown and Emily Estella Quigley; her brother, Bill Harris; and her sisters, Kay Halfhill and Marilyn Campbell.

She is survived by her son, Michael Zacharias, along with extended family and friends who will cherish her memory.

May Jan rest peacefully, surrounded by the love and memories she leaves behind.