Janis Marie Hendrickson

Janis “Irish Jan” Marie Hendrickson, age 81, passed away on January 17, 2015 in Gaylord, MI. She was born to James and Lucille VanAtta in Detroit, MI on August 16, 1933. Janis had lived in St. Helen since 1972, formerly of Detroit. She was very active over 37 years of her life as a member of the West Branch FOE Ladies Auxiliary Eagles, St. Helen Catholic Church and CCW. Jan’s lifelong dream was to take a trip to Ireland which she took in 1997. She worked many years at the Cedar Inn in St. Helen. She also enjoyed entertaining and having friends over especially for her annual open house Irish Party, on St. Patrick’s Day. Janis was warm and caring and never wanted anyone to be alone. She was an avid dog lover and was well known as “Irish Jan”.

Janis is survived by her children: Mary (Jerry) Brown of Gaylord, MI, Jimmy Allen of Hemet, CA, and Barbara Allen of Mont Clair, CA; grandchildren: Stacie Brown and Kristina Brown; great grandchildren: Katie, Emmy, Finn, and Rory; and 9 step grandchildren and great grandchildren; twin brother, Jim (Kathleen) Burns of Dearborn, MI. She is preceded in death by her loving partner, Arne Halme in 2007, parents, and sister, Patsy VanAtta.

Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in St. Helen, MI will begin on Tuesday, January 20, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, January 21, 2015, Irish Jan will lie in state at the St. Helen Catholic Church in St. Helen beginning at 10:00 a.m. until the Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Father Joe Muszkiewicz and Sister Barbara Matievich, O.P. will officiate.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the family or West Branch Ladies Auxiliary F.O.E.