Jane Smyth (O’Connor) Malewitz, “Jeanne”, age 83 of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully surrounded by her children, Friday, July 4, 2014. She had several health issues, but ultimately died of a broken heart. Jeanne was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bernard, June 6, 2013; parents, Frank and Jane O’Connor; daughter, Patricia VanEizenga; granddaughter, Nicole Childs; brother, Charles O’Connor. She is survived by her children, Mimi (Kyle) Madden, Kathleen Hughes, Jane (David) Bowen, Maureen Schuurman, Joseph (Kim) Malewitz, Bernard (Patti) Malewitz, Colleen (Robert) Smith; special son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Jerry (JoAnn) VanEizenga; special son, John Moriarty; and her 23 grandchildren, whom she always called her “babies”; brother, Frank O’Connor; sister-in-law, Gloria O’Connor; also many nieces, nephews, and special friends. Born in Washington D.C., June 18, 1931, she was always proud of her birthplace and had many stories about her childhood in our nation’s capital. She was a charter member and volunteer at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish. We will miss her laugh, her love of all things Irish and her peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Jeanne’s family would like to thank all of the Spectrum Health staff for their compassionate care given to their mother and grandmother. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Wednesday 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 1935 Plymouth Road S.E., Rev. Troy Nevins presiding. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday 2-4:00 and 6-8:00 p.m. with Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m., at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst , 3980 Cascade Road S.E. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Killgoar Foundation for IHM School, 1935 Plymouth Road S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49506 or God’s Kitchen, Catholic Charities West Michigan, Attn: Development 40, Jefferson Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. “May the road rise up to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of his hand.”
