Janet Ann Kuyers

1936 - 2022

Janet Ann Kuyers, 85, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022.

She was born on Dec. 31, 1936, in Jackson, Mich., to Malcolm and Connie Mackay.

Jan is survived by her husband of 64 years, David; brother and sister-in-law: Robert and Margaret Mackay; daughter, Susan Ledvina; son, Mark (Rhonda) Kuyers; five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

After being born in Jackson, Jan moved to various Michigan locations and landed in Holland, Mich., in 1950 where her father, Malcolm, was a principal and basketball coach at Holland High School. From Holland, she moved to St. Joseph and graduated from St. Joseph High School. She then attended Hope College where she met the love of her life, David. They married in 1958 and moved to St. Joseph for 15 years; due to a job change, a move was made to South Bend, Ind., where they spent 16 years, yet Jan always remained loyal to the University of Michigan.

In 1989, when Dave retired, they once again ventured back to the shores of Lake Michigan, to reside the next 30 years summering in St. Joe, and wintering in Naples, Fla. A final move was made in the fall of 2021, to Appledorn Assisted Living South in Holland, where Jan and Dave received caring support that enabled them to live a happy, comfortable life.

Jan was a devoted wife and mother. She was dedicated to raising her two children, and putting time and effort into their interests and activities, especially their swim clubs in both St. Joe and South Bend. She was involved in parent/teacher organizations. She was a member of the St. Joe United Methodist Church and taught Sunday school.

In addition to her children's swim club, she also served as president of the 9-hole golfers at Countryside, and was involved with bridge clubs along with her dear friends with whom she socialized and cared for deeply. Family and friends will remember her for her positivity, encouragement and unconditional support.

Jan delighted in frequenting various eateries, was an avid novel reader, watched numerous Hallmark movies, and enjoyed traveling with her family to places such as Biloxi, Miss., Hilton Head, S.C., Walt Disney World, Hawaii, and Naples to name a few. She also loved going on cruises with her husband, Dave, and was thrilled to take in the scenery of the ports and sights of Europe.

She adored her grandchildren, and spent countless hours playing cards, making mashed potatoes, and attending their extracurricular activities and sporting events. She was very loved and will be terribly missed; we will always carry her memory in our heart.

Visitation is scheduled for 1-2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 11, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A memorial service will immediately follow at 2 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph United Methodist Church.

For more information, please visit www.starksfamilyfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 556-9450.