In Memory

Janet Ritchie (Eastman)

Janet Ritchie (Eastman)

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 woman 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 through 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 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Jowett Funeral Home, 1634 Lapeer Ave, Port Huron.

Published in The Times Herald, August 5, 2015


 

 







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