Janice Margaret Russell (nee Halbert), born September 23, 1958, left her earthly home on May 29, 2018. The blessings of heaven have been granted to her. Jan was a loving mother to Maggie and soul mate to her husband Lee. Lee and Jan enjoyed 25 years together. Their life began in New Jersey where they met before returning to Jan’s hometown in Michigan. Their lives were made complete with the addition of Maggie when she was three years old. They settled into life with a new child and all the harmony of school, activities and travel. All of Jan’s love was poured into the success and accomplishments of their daughter Maggie and her love for music, athletics and passion for academics. Jan’s love, Lee, was her perfect supporting husband, companion and father to Maggie. Jan was known in the family as Aunt Janta Clause because of her Christmas spirit. Jan is preceded in death by her parents Lester and Evelyn Halbert; beloved stepmother Helen Halbert; brother Dennis Halbert; father- and mother-in-law Kenneth and Myra Russell; and brother-in-law Kingsley Russell. Jan will be greatly missed by her siblings Marve (Pat) Halbert; Paula (Bill) Fegel; Susan (Rick) Dunham; Terry (Gemma) Halbert; and Nancy (Bill) Wier; brother-in-law Ian Russell, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to give special thanks to the doctors and staff at Cancer and Hematology of West Michigan and Hospice of Michigan for their devotion to Jan’s care. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Robert of Newminster Parish, 6477 Ada Dr SE, Ada, MI on Tuesday, June 5, at 11 AM. Rev. Leonard Sudlik presiding. Visitation will be held at O’Brien Gerst Funeral Home, 3980 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids, MI on Monday, June 4, 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and one hour prior to Mass on June 5 at St. Robert. Interment will be a private family ceremony. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301.
8 Responses
I offer my sincere condolences to the Russell family. It can be hard to find comfort after the loss of a loved one. In these times we often wonder will suffering ever end. The bible tells us that “soon suffering will be no more.” and that we can “look to God for comfort in all of our trials.” (Revelation 21: 3,4) – (2 Corinthians 1: 3, 4) jw.org
Jan was full of life and love, sharing it with everyone close to her. She adored Maggie, Lee and her entire family. Her life centered around her family, with great pride and joy. She was an amazing friend who will always be in our hearts. She blessed our lives and we are so grateful to have her as our friend. Love, hugs and prayers, The Meadow Family
My deepest sympathy to the family. Jan lived across the street from me and her sister Nancy was one of my best friends. And my sister Jodis friend. She was always the sweetest girl. Very sad to hear of her passing
To my Dear Friends Marve and Pat, I pray for you at this sad time for strength and peace to deal with this sadness. May her Memory be eternal. May the Lord bless you and keep you. Know that I and my entire family send our sincerest sympathies to you. Love Always, Eileen Adolphson and Family
May God, who is, “near to the brokenhearted and who saves those crushed in spirit”, sustain and comfort you during this time of great sorrow. (Psalms 34:18)
Our prayers and love go out to Lee and Maggie. Jan was and will always be a force in the lives of all who knew her. She will be missed , but live on in our memories.
Jan became part of our family. Elaine adored her (and so did we). She will forever be in our hearts and prayers. An angel will now always look after Maggie and Lee. Peace and Love eternal.
My Dear, Marve and Pat,
So sorry for the loss of your loving Janice, with heartfelt sympathy and caring prayers for you and your family.
With love ,
Hatem& Nadira karadsheh