Janet B. Ross

Janet Ross, 91, succumbed to old age on Monday, June 22nd. Fiercely independent, she remained as such with the love and help she received from all of her “West Branch” family.

Janet was born and raised in Union, New Jersey and from the start, took the road less travelled. In spite of living through the Great Depression she put herself through Douglas College and graduated with a degree in Political Science. Her first love was fighting for the rights of all races, denominations, genders and cultures. Her belief in the goodness of all peoples was at the center of all that she did. Janet taught at the Grove Street School in Irvington, New Jersey for 30 yrs. She was beloved by her students and co-workers alike. Her dedication to making this a better world was the core of all of her teachings.

In addition to teaching, Janet labored tirelessly for CORE, the NAACP and Fair Housing. She was a self-appointed warrior in the fight for Civil Rights and equality.

Her desire to embrace all peoples and her constant thirst for knowledge was depicted by her travels; Africa, Greece, Italy and beyond. Travel was about learning, not leisure. Wherever she went, she taught. Even in her late 70’s and 80’s while residing in Florence, Italy (the heart of Renaissance art), her main activity was tutoring University students to become fluent in English….and they, in turn taught her Italian.

She arrived in West Branch at the age of 85 kicking and screaming and wanted to leave almost immediately. Her anger was fueled by the inability to travel as her body grew older and she began to lose her physical strength. Slowly, she acknowledged this and embraced all of West Branch as her new family. She truly grew to love the people here.

Janet is survived by her two sisters: Audrey Bowler and Carol Donovan of New Jersey; her daughter, Leslie Ross of Alger, MI; her beloved nieces and nephews, as well as her adopted family, the Fabbri’s of West Branch.

Her life will be celebrated at the Silver Lining on Thursday, July 23rd at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Side Door Food Pantry, P.O. Box 156 West Branch, MI 48661.

Arrangements were handled by Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch. www.steuernolmclaren.com