"Janet was definitely a wonderful lady and a favorite of mine over the years. When I think of her, I laugh and believe me, we did a lot of that! One of the funniest things I remember is when all the kids talked her into playing "Go to the Boneyard" down at camp and she had so much fun, she wanted to play it again - and - again. I'd be rich today if I had a dime for every time I heard the phrase "Is Janet coming?". She was truly the life of the party and that's what I'll remember. She will be greatly missed by all."
In loving memory of
Janet L. Sleeman
April 11, 1934 - October 3, 2003
Janet L. Sleeman, 69, of 161 W. Fairbanks St., Harvey, died peacefully Friday evening at her residence surrounded by her family and friends.
Mrs. Sleeman was born on April 11, 1934 in Marquette to the late Albert and Marie (Dionne) Gentz and was a lifelong area resident.
Janet enjoyed her life as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her door was always open to anyone who needed a hot meal, some kind words, a place to rest, or a shoulder to cry on. Her children and grandchildren are especially grateful for the unconditional love and support she always provided. Janet always put everyone elses comfort and happiness above her own, never asking for anything in return, and touching more hearts and lives than she could ever have known.
She is survived by three children, Debbie (David) Denise, Curt (Linda) Sleeman and Pam (Marc) Gilmore, all of Marquette; brother, Calvert (Rose) Gentz; stepmother, Grace Gentz; stepbrother, Daniel (Carolyn) Zintman and stepsister, Grace (Pete) Bersinger; seven grandchildren, Jason Asplet, Jessica (Josh) Koppen, Lisa Asplet, Brian Chris and Sarah Sleeman, and Brooke LaBonte; one great grandson, Robert Cade Koppen; and special friend, Al Ploof. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceding her in death besides her parents was her husband, Robert J. Sleeman on September 19, 1997; one son, Jay one daughter, Lisa and a stepsister, Nancy Marceau.
Friends may call at the Canale-Tonella Funeral Home today from 4 to 8 p.m. where a parish prayer service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Immediately following visitation, there will be a time of fellowship and a celebration of Janets life at her home at 161 W. Fairbanks. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11 a.m. in St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey with the Rev. Benedetto Paris officiating. A luncheon will follow in the church hall immediately afterward. Burial will take place in the Holy Cross Cemetery following the luncheon.
Pallbearers will be Gary Dionne, Sally Dionne, Karen Maki, Greg Gentz, David Denise, Marc Gilmore, and Brooke LaBonte.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Tom Huffman, Lake Superior Hospice Association, especially Nurse, Sue Noren and Jill Baker, also Father Ben Paris. The neighborhood and the lives of family and friends will forever be altered without Janet watching over them from behind the kitchen counter. She was an incredibly inspiring woman whose strength and love will live on forever in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Tributes
"Though I knew Janet just a short time, I was instantly drawn to her. She had a way of making you feel comfortable and making you feel that she would do anything for you. I didn't know her first name for a long time, and just called her "mom". She would laugh and didn't seem to mind at all. I only wish I had known her longer. She raised some very wonderful children and enriched many lives beyond her family circle. She will certainly be missed by many."
"Janet was truly the Queen of Comedy...no matter what age I was, I always enjoyed having a good laugh with Janet. The party was always more fun with her around. She was always there for her family and the compassion in her heart was inspiring. I consider my life blessed and enriched having known Janet."
"We shall always remember you, Grandma Sleeman, with your warm smile, your hearty laugh, your sincerest hugs, and your loving ways. Thank you for making us a part of your family. We shall miss you, dear lady. Our loss is God's gain, and we know that you will watch over us with that same compassion and sensibility that makes you special. We love you."
"Dear Brooke and Pam, Ron and I send our sympathy and love to you. Janet was a very special person, a great mother and grandmother. Wish we could be there with you. Ron and Rochelle LaBonte"
"Pam, Marc, Debbie, Dave and family: Our deepest and sincerest sympathy in the loss of your mother. Respectfully, Jane Campbell and Terry Abernathy"
"To the entire family, I was so shocked and upset to hear about Janet. I immediately went back in time to the days on end that I would go visit her and play with her dog Laddy. She was always smiling, happy and made me feel as if I were part of the family. She was one of the neighbors that made our block feel like one big family. I just wanted to send you our thoughts and let you know that in our family, she will always be missed and never be forgotten. From our family to yours, you are in our thoughts The Wiggins Family"
"What do I think of when remembering Janet? Spanish rice, a great laugh, a giver, 7 layer salad, an open heart, a door that was always open. A kitchen counter, a Pabst Blue Ribbon, and good conversation. She was a great part of our family and I will miss her. Cheers to you, Ms. Janet...."
"Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Karen and Mike"
"Calvert & Rose: I just read about Janet and my thoughts are with you. She was a very special neighbor for many years. Rex"
"Calvert I'm so sorry at the loss of your sister Janet. She sounds like she was just a wonderful person and everyone was very happy when she was around. I regret I will never meet her but I do plan to come to MI next year and plan to come and meet you and Rose. Our prayers and love are with you and your family in your time of need."