Mary Jane (Morrissey) Lacks (July 9, 1920 – June 15, 2014). Jane was the beloved wife of Richard J. Lacks Sr.; firstborn daughter of William and Nell Morrissey; sister of William, Robert, and James Morrissey: all of whom preceded her in death. She was mother to Richard (Judy), Thomas (deceased), Kurt (Lori), and Patricia (Jim) Teets; grandmother to Lindsey (Casey) Williams, Lauren (Chad) Warner, Ryan (Becca) Lacks, Kelly Lacks, Jennifer (Brad) Andrzejewski, Kurt V. (Jena) Lacks, Katie Lacks, Heidi Lacks, Jamie Teets, Brandon Teets, Christopher Teets, Patrick Teets, Merideth Teets; great grandmother to Brody, Hudson, Finnegan, Riane, Delany, and Blaine; sister-in-law to Marlene (Jerrold) Landstra and Marilyn Morrissey; aunt to many nieces and nephews. Jane lived in Grand Rapids her whole life. The most enjoyable times in her life were spent at the Morrissey cottage in Grand Haven Michigan. The Fanatorium Bowling Alley, owned by the Morrissey family, gave rise to Jane’s talent as a bowler. She was once considered a premier woman bowler in the state of Michigan. Even though she was a very private person, she cared deeply for all those around her, always considering the needs of other people. She always remembered cards and gifts, quietly supported many causes, and even more importantly, was always a cheery presence. Anyone who ever heard Jane laugh, will smile and hear it echo when they think of her. One of the charities that remained of utmost importance to Jane was the Babies Welfare Guild, of which she was a member. It was her gift to St. Mary’s Hospital that led to the Lacks Center becoming a reality. Her support of the Cancer Center financially remained ongoing.
The Lacks family would like to thank Corliss Scott, Vineta Elliot, and Pam Greer for their devoted caregiving and for helping administrate her personal affairs. All of our lives, and especially Jane’s, were enhanced immeasurably by their presence during the latter years of her life. There will be a private family mass only. Messages of condolence may be sent via gerstfuneralhomes.com or www.mlive.com/obituaries/
The family requests that donations be made to the Lacks Cancer Center in honor of Jane Lacks.
“An Irish mother is a blessing from heaven.”
