Obituary

Remembering Janice Nowicki

On Thursday, February 9, 2017, our dear mother, grandma and special friend to many, left us for a better place and to fulfill her heart.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, Harry “Butch” Nowicki; son, Tyler Jon Nowicki; parents, John and Tressa Pepper; sister-in-law, Pamela Pepper; brother-in-law, Ron Sharp; and father-in-law, Harry Nowicki. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christa and Aaron VanderWall; her precious grandchildren, Hunter, Mackenna, and Cole Tomaszewski; granddaughter by heart, Marie Moore; brother, John Pepper; mother-in-law, Dorothy Nowicki; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Shirley Sharp, Pete and Sally Nowicki, David and Sheila Nowicki; many nieces and nephews, and her children by heart, John and Cheryl Naylor. Jan was a mother to many and Grandma Jan to many more. Funeral services will be held on Monday 11 am at Grandville United Methodist Church, 3140 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, with Pastor Rick VanderWall and Rev. Ryan Wieland officiating. Relatives and friends may meet the family Sunday from 2-4 and 6-9 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW and Monday from 10-10:45 am, prior to the service, at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital - Mackenna’s Mission.

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Tribute Messages

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February 14, 2017 12:06pm

I express my condolences to Jan's family, I'm sorry for your loss. I knew Jan from Butterworth and she was always so kind and helpful. I saw her at the cheerleading finals last year, rooting on her family I'm sure (she had a huge smile on her face!) and got to say "Hi" to her as we were leaving. A wonderful person!

— Ken Johnson

February 13, 2017 10:24am

Christa and Family, We, especially I loved your Mom, Grandma Jan. She was inspiring, thoughtful, spiritual and funny (loved when she would give a belly laugh!). I fully know now her statement, 'you're my sister from another mother'. She loved so unconditional. She leaves an amazing internal gift of love and wisdom with everyone she met. I will cherish and remember her forever. Sis, Joyce

— Sister, Joyce

February 13, 2017 6:58am

My deepest sympathies to Christa and family. Your Mom was a dear friend to me when we attended Kendall School of Design. We lost touch except for Christmas cards and got back together on Facebook and I will miss her. My deepest sympathy and prayers are with you.

— Sandi Loomis

February 13, 2017 4:58am

My thoughts and prayers go out to her loving family. She touched so many peoples life's with her love and kindness. She will be dearly missed.

— Jim

February 12, 2017 5:05pm

Christa and family, I am sorry for your loss! I so much wanted to see her this summer. She was a great woman,Harry spoke so much about Jan when he was stationed with me in Vietnam. If I was in better health I would have come for this !

— William M Bako

February 12, 2017 4:26pm

Sending heartfelt sympathy to Christa and her family. Jan was a sweet, kind, thoughtful and generous friend. Jan turned strangers into her friends! She loved people and was an angel here on earth! Gone way too soon. Cherish all your fond memories and keep them close to your heart. Love and hugs at this difficult time.

— Lee & Renee Lynam and Family

February 12, 2017 4:21pm

Sending heartfelt sympathy to Christa and family. Jan was a sweet, kind, thoughtful and generous friend that we met and seen at Red Geranium often. She quickly turned strangers into her friends! What an angel on earth! She loved people!!! Sending love and hugs to you!

— Lee & Renee Lynam and Family

February 12, 2017 9:57am

I am so very sorry to hear of your loss! I knew Jan when I worked at Butterworth Hospital. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Cherish the memories!!!

— Gail Barko

February 12, 2017 9:18am

I was so sorry to hear about your mom. You will miss her terribly. Cherish all the memories you made with her through the years. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers

— Celia Steele

February 12, 2017 8:16am

Christa,Aaron,Hunter,Mac and Cole, Gods gracious love to all of you her beloved family, I will miss her. Her wit and laughter and even her stern side.

— Bob and Kim bain

February 12, 2017 4:07am

Christa and family, we are sorry! I cannot find words. It has been so nice finding your Mom on Facebook , reconnecting , remembering old friends from Gladiola. She is loved and missed already and always.

— Roger and Susan Miller

February 11, 2017 3:46pm

Christa and your family and John Pepper, I have known your mom and dad,grandma and grandpa, sister since before Jan and Butch got married. It has been my privilege to call them friends and share many good times together. I was given the honor of standing at their wedding alter as Butch's best man with the responsibility of holding and providIng your mom's wedding ring at the right moment. These two people have been and always will be in my thoughts often. They both have left us way too early as I am certain you will agree. God bless you all and I pray that He will provide comfort to all who have lost Jan, but she won't have to miss her Butch anymore. The two of them will be with all of your family forever.

— Gene Fish

February 11, 2017 2:48pm

We were truly blessed to know Jan. I met her at WW and I loved sewing with her and Norma. We will be keeping your family in our prayers.

— Ruth and Jim Peterson

February 11, 2017 7:42am

Christa I have known your Mom since High School. She was a dear friend and we just reconnected at our recent class reunion. Jan was always kind and caring and touched many lives. She will be sorely missed. My heart hurts for you and your families' loss. May God Bless and comfort you in this trying time.

— Judy Zimmerman

February 11, 2017 6:32am

Dear Christa and family, I met you Mom/Grandma at our weekly Saturday morning Weight Watchers meeting. I loved seeing her come in with her lovely smile and then come over for a hug! I will miss her SO much!! We will pray for all of you that God will you the comfort and strength only He can give!!

— Corry Oosterhouse

February 11, 2017 6:25am

Christa and family, I met your Mom/grandma at our Saturday morning Weight Watchers meetings. I loved seeing her come in with her lovely smile and she'd come over for a hug! I will miss her SO much!! We will pray for all of you that God will give you the comfort and strength only He can give!!

— Corry Oosterhouse

February 11, 2017 5:14am

Christa and family, Your mom and grandma was such an incredible lady. We have all been blessed to have her in our lives, to feel her love, respect and ability to make everyone feel like they were special. Please know that I carry you in my heart as you journey through your grief.

— Denise Clement

February 11, 2017 2:55am

My deepest condolences for your loss, I hope that all the loving memories that you have shared with Janice will bring your family some comfort. Comfort can also be found at Acts 24:15 which tells us of the resurrection hope on earth that we can look forward to in the near future. May Jehovah God and his son Jesus Christ give your family comfort during this sad time.

— Donna

February 11, 2017 2:26am

Christa and family We are so sorry for your loss ;Your mom was an amazing woman and a wondering niece;prayer's to you at this most difficult time RIP Jan

— Uncle Bud and Nancy Johnston

February 10, 2017 5:38pm

Deepest sympathies to Christa and family. Your Mom was a dear friend to me and I will miss her. I'm heartbroken for your loss.

— Christine And Dave Thompson

February 10, 2017 5:30pm

I'm so sorry for your loss. I never had the privilege of meeting Jan, but I knew of her through my sister, Angie, and my niece, Mary. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.

— Sarah Fleming Reece

February 10, 2017 5:05pm

Jan you will truly be missed. You were such a kind and caring person. I only got to know you for a few years but really enjoyed getting to know you and call you my friend. Even for a short time. To your family please know she will be missed by many and that my prayers are with you during this difficult time.

— Rachel Wertz

February 10, 2017 4:43pm

Deepest sympathy to you all and praying that memories of your mom and grandma will help you heal. Breakfast Club will never be the same.

— Arlene & Tom Zandbergen

February 10, 2017 3:26pm

I'm so sorry to hear this! Brook, you're all in my thoughts & prayers! Xoxo

— Samantha Lombardo

February 10, 2017 3:12pm

Christa, We are so saddened by your loss. She was an absolute wonderful person with a heart of gold. We feel extremely blessed to have known her and your family.

— Sara (Urbanski), Donald, Bennett & Lucky Howle

February 10, 2017 3:11pm

I am Carmon Nieto's mom and just want to say I am so sorry to hear about your mom. Carmon told me she was s beautiful lady. I hope the Lord will help you through this tough time.

— Karen Inman

February 10, 2017 3:10pm

Christa and family......my heart is breaking with yours.....and even more so, because I am unable to come home this weekend to pay honor to my beloved cousin.....and "big sister". I am with you in prayer......and will come home in the spring to visit and share hugs......Love you all!

— Deb Kennedy

February 10, 2017 3:07pm

So very sorry about Jan's passing. Our thoughts are with the family. Enjoyed the times with her and Harry, they will both be missed dearly by everyone whose lives they touched

— Bruce and Julie Liscombe

February 10, 2017 3:04pm

I was blessed to meet 'Grandma Jan' through my family, the Divers. She was a special part of their family and will be truly missed. Prayers for peace and strength.

— Vicki Stratton

February 10, 2017 3:00pm

So sorry for your loss. May the many happy and loving memories help in easing your pain. God Bless your family.

— Susan & Stanley Sikkema

February 10, 2017 2:19pm

Hearts are broken and we are so terribly sad for you in your great loss. Christa, Aaron, Hunter, Mackenna, and Cole ... words cannot express the sympathy we have for all of you. Sending our love, hugs and prayers to all of you.

— Ray and Renee Griffen

February 10, 2017 1:38pm

Christa and family, I am so sorry for your loss! My heart and prayers go out to you!

— Leesa Burrill

February 10, 2017 1:38pm

Our love and prayers to all. Jan was a very special woman and an absolutely beautiful soul. We are very blessed to have met Jan and able to call her friend.

— Jeff & Denise Hall

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