Janice Elaine Hallett

She was born on Dec. 4, 1940, in Ware, Mass., daughter of Oliver and Bernice (Klimek) Avey. She was an only child and graduated from high school in Ware in 1958.

Janice was a loving mother of six children and as a family, they moved to Escanaba January 1976.

In 1984, Jan married Keith Hallett in Escanaba. Together they enjoyed many years of being in the outdoors and camping and fishing.

She was employed by the State of Michigan as a caseworker for many years, retiring in the 1990s. Jan was an active member of the State Employment Retirement Association (SERA).

Jan was very active in Players de Noc for many years: directing, acting, creating sets and other roles were passions of hers.

She was on the board of the Escanaba Public Library, as she was a lifelong reader and loved books. Jan was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Bay de Noc Chorale Society and the Red Hat Society.

Jan was a good friend and mother figure to scores of people. Many of her children’s friends referred to her as “Mom” and treated her home as a second home. Jan’s home was also a favorite gathering spot for her many friends and family. She enjoyed hosting people and was delighted with impromptu parties.

She is survived by her children, Paula Beaudoin of Escanaba; Sandra McHugh, Shanahan of Cary, NC; Anthony McHugh of Escanaba; Daniel McHugh of Las Vegas, Nev; Martha (Kevin) Beaver of Gladstone; and Barb McHugh-Lombardi (Gary Boudreau Jr.) of Escanaba; stepchildren, Martin, Tom, Catherine and Tony Hallett; grandchildren Kennerson and Kevin Shanahan, Vincent Lombardi, Arie Beaudoin, Arissa (David) Kennedy and Lucas Bero; four great-grandchildren; and a very special cousin, Marilyn McRaney of Virginia Beach, Va., who was like a sister to Jan.

In addition to her parents and husband Keith, Jan was preceded in death by her grandson, Andre Beaudoin, and stepson, Joe Hallett.

Visitation is Thursday, Jan. 23, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home, 302 S. 13th St., Escanaba. Visitation will conclude at 4 p.m. followed by an opportunity for friends and family to share memories about Jan.

A further gathering to honor Jan will begin at 6 p.m. at the Eagles Club. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Jan’s name to the Escanaba Public Library or Players de Noc.

Messages of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting crawfordfuneralhomes.net.