Name: Visitation for Janice Pfeifer
Start: 2016-07-25T21:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-07-26T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Forster Woods House located on the property of St. Katherine's Episcopal Church

Janice Catherine Haysmer Pfeifer

Janice Catherine Haysmer Pfeifer, born on December 9, 1928 in Detroit, Michigan, Jan went to that great bridge club in the sky on July 16, 2016. Her parents were Roy and Claribel (Rahn) Haysmer. Her husband James Pfeifer preceded her in death in 1991. She is survived by three children: Deborah (David), Dale, Paul (Laura); eight grandchildren: Kristie (Greg), Robert (Bethany), Emily (Sean), Karl (Gerri), Elizabeth, Pamela (Weston), Veronika, and Nicole (Michael); eight great-grandchildren: Brooke, Kyle, Natalia, Hannah, Marcella, Helene, Samantha, and Astrid; sister-in-law Louise, nephew David, and nieces Patricia and Laura.

She was a sixty-year member of St. Katherine's Episcopal Church and also served as their organist for seventeen years. While raising her children, Jan graduated from Lansing Community College and then Michigan State University magna cum laude with a degree in Education. She then taught in the Lansing Public Schools for over twenty years. Jan was a member of the education sorority Alpha Delta Kappa - Michigan Chapter, and held many positions over the years in its service. In addition, she held memberships in the Michigan Association of Retired School Professionals, Sparrow Auxiliary, and East Lansing Women's Club. She also volunteered for many organizations over the years, including the Ronald McDonald House, answering phones for WKAR pledge drives, clerking at the Lansing UN shop, and working at Election Day polling stations. Jan was also known for her boundless traveling enthusiasm; she would venture to various destinations all over the globe, often taking her children, grandchildren, and friends along for the ride. Jan was a friend to everyone - it was only a matter of time once you met her. She was a sewing and quilting champion, shopper extraordinaire, and always quick with her sharp wit.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 25th, from 5-8 p.m. at the Forster Woods House located on the property of St. Katherine's Episcopal Church, 4650 N. Meridian Rd. Service will be held on Tuesday, July 26th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Katherine's. Donations can be made to the ADK Scholarship Fund, Capital Area Humane Society, or St. Katherine's.

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

Published by Lansing State Journal on Jul. 24, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Janice Pfeifer

Sponsored by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes.

12 Entries

Christina Young

September 15, 2016

I have been meaning to contact Jan for years now and am sorry I missed my chance. She was my sixth grade teacher at Elmhurst Elementary in 1976. I was struggling so much that year with usual kid troubles. She recognized a leader in me and took me under her wing. I often stayed after school to help her and she would tell me stories. I felt important and empowered in her presence, a feeling that changed my life forever. I am a high school teacher now, and I have worked to give to my students the feeling she gave to me. God bless her soul. I have carried her precious seeds to other fields. She lives through her students and all those she touched in her life.

Susie Baker

September 1, 2016

Just learned of Jan's passing from my mom. I remember Jan from the glory days in East Lansing on Spartan Ave, 1950's . Even though she lived a couple streets over, she managed to break into the ladies' bridge club on our street along with the get-togethers among those neighbors that went on for decades. Bundle of energy and intellectual interests, Jan. Praying for comfort for loved ones, especially Debbie, Dale and Paul. God bless,

Janet Keesler

August 1, 2016

Janice and I went to quilting retreats together in Tustin, MI for years. We met during the Friday night open sew at the local quilt shop. We had a lot of fun together. I will miss her greatly. My condolences to her family.

Jimmie Nixdorf

July 26, 2016

Janice was married to my dad's cousin, James. I have many fond memories of them. She was a wonderful woman, and I'm thankful to have had her in my life. I last saw her at my home in Texas about 13 years ago, and she was still just as lively as ever. My thoughts and prayers go out to my cousins, as she will truly be missed. RIP, Janice!

Cheryl Ambs

July 25, 2016

We met Jan traveling with the MSU alumni band and enjoyed many trips together. She was always good for a laugh and a fun travel companion with the friends who traveled with her. She will be missed.

Emily Dunn

July 25, 2016

When I joined ADK Delta chapter Jan welcomed me with open arms. At some point during each meeting she would whisper a funny joke or story to me. A beautiful lady with such a caring heart. I will truly miss seeing her.

Matthew Bowen

July 24, 2016

I'm sorry to hear about the families loss.
Janice and my mother Marilyn Bowen (Harcus) were long time friends. My mom always looked forward to the times the two of them could get together and talk about all the things that had happened in their lives.

July 22, 2016

Mrs Pfeiffer was my teacher in the 60s at Walnut Sheet School. I credit her for my love of reading and learning. I have thought of her much over the years. I May your family find comfort at this time. Carreen Pfeifer

Greg Hess

July 21, 2016

Very sorry to hear of your loss. Janice was a bright light. Prayers and well wishes to the family.

Lise Dibert

July 20, 2016

Sweet Jan will surely be missed greatly by so many. I really liked her.

July 19, 2016

Jan was a great friend and a ton of fun to be with. She will be missed by so many. What an amazing woman!

Mike & Elaine Rafferty

July 18, 2016

We know Janice was a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother and she will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. We and our church are praying for the family at this most difficult time.

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