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Janet Force Obituary
Janet Mitchell Force, of Leland, Michigan passed away on Monday, February 14, 2011, at her home after a long and fun-loving life shared with her beloved family. Janet was born in Orange, New Jersey, the daughter of Erminie and Donald Fay, and sister to Donna and Steve. Janet married her husband, Dick while in college at Michigan State University earning her degree with honors in Elementary Education. Starting out their loving 48-year marriage in Germany, Janet and Dick had their first son, David there. Once back in Michigan, children, Susan (Tish) and Tim were born in Ann Arbor, where Janet and Dick then lived for many years creating great memories with college friends, neighbors, church friends, cousins, in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Janet served in countless roles in her community, such as tutoring at King Elementary School, running a latch key program at Pattengill Elementary, Activities Director at Grander View nursing facility, Reader at her church, a member of the Ann Arbor Interfaith Alliance, and on the Board of the Christian Science Visiting Nurse Service for Michigan. After she and Dick moved to Leland, Michigan, in retirement, she continued her community service by serving on the Board of Directors of the Leelanau Children's Center and as a docent for the Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear. She loved her church, the First Church of Christ Scientist, Glen Arbor, and especially loved being a Sunday School teacher. Janet was one of a kind and her family, neighbors and friends will remember her daily swims in Lake Michigan, her "creative vocabulary," her love of tennis, golf, cross country skiing and snorkeling and her zipping around the Leelanau Peninsula in her orange shoes and red convertible, "Ms. Scarlet". Janet is known for her laughter and humor, her deep spirituality, her generosity and her amazing homemade pies. Janet is survived and will always be cherished by her husband, Dick; her children, David, Susan (Jim) Tish, and Tim (Amy); her sister, Donna; and especially by her beloved grandchildren who were the light and joy of her life, Ryan, Camille, Trevor, Jack and Nolan. Her family feels nothing but gratitude for all the fun, love, laughter, joy and care their Nonny has shown them through the years. A celebration of her life will be held on March 6, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. at the Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There will be a brief program starting at 3:00 p.m. followed by a reception to visit with family and friends. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Janet's memory to The Leelanau Children's Center, P.O. Box 317, Leland, MI 49654, Fishtown Preservation Society, P.O. Box 721, Leland MI 49654, and/or to Christian Science Visiting Nurse Service for Michigan, P.O. Box 702072, Plymouth, MI 48170. Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.
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Memories and Condolences
for Janet Force
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May 17, 2011
I'm so glad to have known her. She was a particularly wonderful expression of God's light here on earth. She will not be forgotten. Thank you for your laughter, that will be with me always. :)
March 12, 2011
We did not know Janet well, but from the first minute it was clear that everyone was at home with her. Dick, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. - Kevin and Marcy Vander Tuig, Ann Arbor
March 7, 2011
Here's a story that was so like my sister Janet:
One summer day Janet called and asked if I could sub for her partner in a tennis game of doubles. I was delighted.
Our opponents were serious tennis players: no smiling, no distracting behavior, not even casual conversation. They would meet in the middle of the court between shots and discuss strategy. The word "serious" was not in the lexicon of either one of us, tennis or not. We were having fun playing together, making smart remarks back and forth to each other. Our opponents were NOT amused. Furthermore, my shots were going anywhere but over the net or in bounds. So Janet met me in the in the middle of the court told me we needed to get serious. She sensed the ladies were becoming peeved with our antics.
So since these ladies were periodically discussing their strategy, I walked over to Janet and said, "OK, Jan, what's our strategy?"
Never missing an opportunity for pointed humor, Janet said, "Hitting the ball over the net would be good!" She KNEW that would set me off into laughter again. She walked back across the court with a suppressed smile on her face. I tried not to laugh. No good. So Janet gave me a steely look of serious intent. I squared off and waited for the serve. The next ball over the net went right to the sweet spot in Janet's racquet. She pounded that ball over the net like a pro. I was proud. It went straight and fast, but it went right into the chest of one of our opponents! Janet dropped her racquet and let out a scream and then a profuse apology. Then Bobby-Riggs-style, she leaped over the net and went to her victim and continued to apologize profusely. The woman wanted no apologies, no fanfare, no more screaming. She wanted SERIOUS TENNIS! So Janet walked back to our side of the net and we finished the set. Did we win? No. Did we at least make a good showing? That depends on your definition of the word "show." Wherever Janet was, there was fun, hilarity, love and good times.
Donna, her sister.
March 5, 2011
Janet , My dear and caring cousin.Her laughter,her sage advice,her love of family.such a fabulous funny friend.I am lost without her .....only to be found by the memories of her and the example they give of how to live a full and wonderful life.my love and prayers to all of you.Jennifer Spinach,Sausalito Ca
Debbie Fry
March 4, 2011
Joy and strength: these are two of Janet's many beautiful qualities that make her such a beautiful and inspiring friend! Since part of our "Ann Arbor Gang" from graduate school days, we have shared years of friendship. We've done church work, had babies, vacationed , and even laughed at and endured our husbands' silly jokes together! We've supported each other in challenging times and looked to each other for inspiration.I cannot think of any time that Janet was not spirited, joyful, and wise. She could be very humorous and at other times she could be very tender and wise. Her love of God and all mankind just radiated! This is how I see and continue to companion with her today! Ed and I both cherish having her and Dick in our lives!
Sonja Waite
March 3, 2011
Dear Dick,
My thoughts are with you. I only got to know Janet through you - her visits to your office and the lovely things you said about her. She was clearly a very special person and obviously very dear to you. I hope you find comfort in beautiful memories of your time together.
Judy & Lee Riley
March 3, 2011
Janet is a bubble of joy, laughter and kindess that will always be with us. We shared wonderful moments on the tennis courts and everywhere else we were together....even at the endless CS board meetings we attended. What a beautiful reflection of life.
Donna Fay
March 1, 2011
My amazing sister Janet gave me a present that was a ceramic heart with these words: "Sisters share the best journey: life." the decades we shared full of laughter, mischief, church work (can you put mischief and church work together like that?) more laughter, golf, tennis, swimming, even more laughter and so much advice and support of each other's lives...they will be cherished as my living legacy. She also gave me a throw pillow with a picture of the two of us, with a caption that says, "Sisters are special." Janet really was all that and more. She will always be a light in my life and my heart.
Jennifer Black
February 28, 2011
I remember having a sleep over at Uncle Dick and Aunt Janet's house when I was maybe 6 or 7. I wasn't one for being away from home, but Aunt Janet made me feel right at home and I had so much fun. She always went out of her way to make others feel welcome. I will always remember her laughter. It brings a smile to my face every time I think of her. She was a fabulous lady. Jennifer Jason Black (niece)
Jill Dunham
February 28, 2011
Uncle Dick - I am looking forward to seeing you on March 6th. Aunt Janet was an amazing person and I can not truly imagine how much you miss her. How lucky you are to have great kids and grand kids to support and love you. You are in my prayers. Much Love,
Bev Youngs
February 27, 2011
A visit with Janet always started with her kindness and generosity, usually progressed to a bit of an adventure, and always, always ended with laughter and good memories. A wonderful legacy to leave behind. Sincerest sympathy to Dick and family.
February 27, 2011
Dick,Susie,Tim and families, Janet was, and always will be a shining light and precious "sister" in my heart and soul, just as you all were and always will be her brightest and most cherished stars. "Kisses & hugs", Carolyn Farmer and family
February 27, 2011
Dick, we offer our deepest sympathies and condolances on your loss. It was a shock to us when we received the email from the A'burg mailing.
You and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Marilyn in par5ticular has special remembrances of their friendship in Germany. We will be in touch.
With Love & Prayers,
George & Marilyn Goedecke
February 26, 2011
Her love of life was only exceeded by her love of family.
We love you sweet lady, Linda and Bill Mitchell
R M
February 26, 2011
A celebration of Janet's life will be held on March 6th at 2:30 pm at the Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There will be a brief program starting at 3:00 pm followed by a reception to visit with family and friends.
Ron & Susan Mott
February 25, 2011
We knew Janet through our close friends Bob & Lois Roundy from Ft Wayne, Indiana. We shared some good times with Janet & Dick, and Bob & Lois at Callaway Gardens in Pine Hills, Georgia. Janet had a bubbly personality and always a good attitude toward life. She will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by many, many people. Our condolences go out to Dick & his family. Ron & Susan Mott.
Joh Kang
February 25, 2011
Dick, Susan and Tim:
Janet was "the bubblest person" we know in the world. She brought a lot of laughter and happiness to people around her. we will cherish her memory in our hearts. Our condolence to you!
February 25, 2011
No one had a laugh as loud, joyous and uplifting as our dear friend from college days in Ann Arbor. She was a true "force" for good in a world needing her sense of joy. Whenever things seem a bit dark, we recall her laughter, which brings smiles to our faces and a sunnier outlook to go forward.
Susi and Reid Wagstaff, Carmel. CA
George D. Goodman
February 25, 2011
To Dick and the Family of Janet, Judith joins me in extending our deepest sympathy. As our former neighbor, we have fond memories of her and Dick. She always had a smile and cheerful message. May the wonderful memories of her life help ease the pain of your loss.
February 25, 2011
Always loved Janet's quick wit and wicked slice on the tennis ball. We played on the courts at Chippewa for many a year.
My sincerest sympathy to all her family.
Dorothy Martelle, Ypsilanti, MI
Connie Pierce
February 25, 2011
Always a smile and joyous personality. I remember her from our church in Ann Arbor. I know my parents were very fond of her and enjoyed her abundant enthusiasm for life. My deepest sympathy to the entire Force family.
Keith Weiland
February 24, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
"Nord" (John) Nordlinger
February 24, 2011
Janet Force was one of the truly neat people I have been privileged to know in my life. This world was a much better, happier place because she was in it. I send comdolence and prayers of support to Dick and family.
Ann Reindel Flucke
February 24, 2011
My dear, sweet, lovable friend, Janet - Where do you even begin to express all the joy and happiness she brought into my life. What a breath of fresh air - always - I will cherish all the fun and joy we had together - all the laughs and tears. She is just alive for me for always!!!!
Ann Reindel Flucke
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