Jane Ellen Clover

Jane Ellen Clover of Hessel, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, dedication, and service to others. Known to many as Janie, she spent her life caring for people-her family, her students, and her community. Even in her final chapter, she believed she was there to take care of others, because that was simply how she lived her life.

Jane was deeply proud of her work as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and lifelong learner. She began her career as a teacher and later served as an administrator for Walled Lake Schools, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year, a recognition that reflected both her dedication to education and the deep care she had for her students. She also worked as a guidance counselor at Oakland Community College, continuing her passion for helping young people find their way. Her love of learning never faded. Remarkably, Jane earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees while raising five children and was later accepted into a Ph.D. program at Wayne State University, a testament to her determination and curiosity.

An accomplished marathon runner, Jane approached life with endurance, discipline, and heart.

She found joy in simple, meaningful things: tending her beloved garden in Hartland, listening to and singing music, and being an active member of her church choir. Jane had a special gift for making people feel welcome, especially her in-laws, whom she embraced as true family from the very beginning.

Jane will also be remembered for the memories she created through adventure and togetherness. Somehow, she managed to fit twelve people into her Volkswagen Bug-a small car that carried an enormous amount of love and laughter. She planned field trips for her children, nieces, nephews, and any aunts who could join, carefully thinking through every detail. Those days on the road, joyfully shared, became treasured moments that bound the family together and still live on in their hearts.

Jane adored her children and grandchildren. The grandchildren especially loved time with Grandma-walking to the corner store in Hartland to buy candy, playing games together, and going on long walks filled with laughter and conversation.

Later in life, Jane grew to love Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where she became a beloved fixture at the Cedar Post Thrift Shop and Food Pantry. Over the years, she quietly helped countless people, leaving a lasting mark on a community she came to love deeply.

Jane now joins those she loved and missed throughout her life-her parents, George and Nancy; her siblings Sue, Mike and Steve; and several other cherished family members.

She is survived by her husband, George Voulgaris; her former spouse Gregory Clover, the father of her five children; her siblings Kathy (Jim) Willoughby, Diane (Jack) Condit, Ruth Lohff (and her late husband Steve), and Barb (Corky) Goss; and her sisters-in-law Leah and Heather.

Jane is lovingly remembered by her children: Michele Bastas (and her late husband Dave), Phil (Ingrid) Clover, Paul (Elke) Clover, Dana Clover (and her late husband Tim Schell), and Brent (Jenna) Clover.

She was a proud grandmother to Christopher (Libby) Bastas, Paige (Joe) Hanley, Luke (Vanessa) Clover, Jerod (Laura) Clover, Brendon (Bridgete) Clover, Nicole (Connor) Dudas, and Lennon Clover, and a cherished great-grandmother to Arabella and Harper.

Jane's life was defined by love, service, and quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to know her.