Janet Eastman Obituary

Janet Irene Eastman (Jan)

After a protracted battle with cancer, Janet Irene Eastman (Jan) died, on August 1, 2015, in Fort Gratiot, MI.

She leaves behind her husband of 47 years, John F. Eastman, and sons John B (Shauna) and Jeffrey R (Erin) Eastman and four grandchildren, Charlotte, Benjamin, Ava, and Isaac. In addition to her own children, she cherished her relationship with her unofficially adopted son, Damon Amey (Melissa) and their children Brett and Chad.

Janet was born September 30, 1946 in Mount Pleasant, MI to Don D. and Josephine J. Ritchie. In college she excelled in the social studies, and won the Development Fund Fellowship to pursue a Master of Arts Degree in History at Central Michigan University. She graduated summa cum Laude from Central Michigan University in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Education Degree then in 1972 with a Master of Arts Degree in History. Janet was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma which promotes the growth and professional development of women educators.

Janet married John F. Eastman on June 14, 1969 in Port Huron, MI. She was employed by the Port Huron Area School District for 41 years. She was also a Student Activities advisor at Port Huron Northern High School for many years.

Janet was a driven professional with a love of reading and international travel. She was also a devoted mother and grandmother. After being diagnosed with cancer, she remained a brave, strong-willed woman even throughout her final days.

Janet is survived by her husband, children, and their families, as well as her sister-in-law, Myrna Eastman, Kodak, TN, her brother-in-law, Kenneth Eastman, Port Huron, MI, and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents.

The family would especially like to thank Karen Jamison, Lisa Schleicher, Ray Labelle and others for their steadfast friendship throughout her illness. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Port Huron Northern High School Quiz Bowl Team or the Visiting Nurses Association of St. Clair County.

Memorial Visitation will be Thursday, August 6, 2015, from 2 to 4pm and 6 to 8pm at Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Avenue, Port Huron.

To view obituary and share memories, please visit www.jowettfuneraldirectors.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Herald from Aug. 4 to Aug. 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Janet Eastman

11 Entries

Sara (Johnson) Gratiot

August 10, 2015

Janet and I lived three houses apart on Sixth Street in Port Huron through most of elementary school. She was my first close friend. We played outside in the neighborhood, played dolls, walked to and from school together, were in Brownies and Girl Scouts, camped, swam at the old, old YMCA on Sixth Street, and had our disagreements (over how to pronounce Puerto Rico - she was right!) When my dad was injured, her dad taught me how to ride my bike in the alley behind their home, and her mom was our Girl Scout leader. We spent as much time in each other's homes as our own.
Rest in ease and peace, Janet, and warm, loving wishes to the family you cherished and were so very proud of.

Joe Houle

August 10, 2015

A great teacher and an very nice person. Janet was my U.S. History teacher in 11th grade. Very sorry to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Bob and Arlene Elliott

August 5, 2015

Jan was an enthusiastic and loyal advocate for students and for all of the Northern family. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and the boys and their families at this difficult time.

Andrew Mathews

August 5, 2015

Sorry to hear of Mrs. Eastman's passing. I had the pleasure of having her as a teacher twice and she was the best! PHN Class of '97!

Sharon Krause

August 5, 2015

We were so sorry to hear about Jan's passing. She will be missed,

George & Marsha Gordon

August 5, 2015

We fondly remember mornings with Jan and John at the former Birchwood Athletic club. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.

Tracey Motte

August 4, 2015

Prayers to the entire Eastman family.

madonna shiner (hux)

August 4, 2015

So sorry for your loss my prayers to the Eastman family

Susan Doherty

August 4, 2015

Jan was a wonderful teacher and good person. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Mellissa Dickinson

August 4, 2015

I'm so sorry to hear of Mrs. Eastman's passing. She was one of my favorite teachers at Northern. Her passion and energy was contagious, and she was always devoted to helping her students succeed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Eastman family.

Leslie (Goudreau) Benaske

August 4, 2015

Sorry to hear of her passing. She was our class advisor for the PHN Class of 1985. She was a wonderful teacher. We will always have fond memories and miss her guidance.

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