Sarah Janice "Jan" Gates

Sarah Janice “Jan” Gates, born June 29, 1933 to Glenn and Burdene (Schaub) Weaver, passed away November 22, 2014 at the age of 81. She was preceded in death by 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Surviving siblings include Glenn Weaver, Miliene Tews and Eiliene (Fred) Teed.

Our mom very peacefully said good-bye to her dementia and the struggles it caused on Saturday evening. The family, which includes her children, Ronald (Lynne) Patterson Jr., LeAnn (Shawn) LaFay, Carla "CJ" Gates; her grandchildren, Brigitta (Aaron) Doerr, Rebecca Patterson, Russell Patterson, Kylie (James) Moots and Kendra (fiancé, Noah Valdez) Northrup, 14 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren, wish to express their deepest gratitude to all those who supported her on her journey. Caregivers: Becky, Sheryl, Kathleen, and Pat, the staff/friends at PGPA Pharmacy, the Tri County Office on Aging, Hospice of Lansing and Dr. Janis Rygwelski. Chances are if you bought groceries in North Lansing or East Lansing in the last 50 years, you knew our mom. As a young adult, Mom began her retail career at Fennings Drugstore. From there she was recruited to a newly opening grocery store that was known as Eberhards/Big E/Food City throughout the years. She would spend 29 years there before they closed their doors for the last time. Next up was Kroger on Lake Lansing Rd. where she worked until she was 73 years old. She began by doing demos and then working in the Floral Department and finally finishing her tenure as a produce clerk. During her lengthy career, Mom touched many lives. Children of customers would grow to become co-workers and friends and then their children would do the same. Many times when shopping at the store, we were able to witness the squeals of joy and out-stretched arms of small children (shopping with their parents) when they spotted Mom and off they went toward her on the run. She enjoyed visiting with each and every one and delighted even more when they called her “Grandma Jan.”

A “drop-in” Celebration of Mom’s Life will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River, Lansing, MI 48912 (between Wood Street and N. Fairview Avenue from noon to 6 pm on Saturday, December 6. Please join us for story sharing, comfort, Mom’s favorite foods, and hugs.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either the Tri County Office on Aging (Project Choices), 5303 S. Cedar Ste. 1, Lansing, MI 48911 or Hospice of Lansing, 4052 Legacy Pkwy, Ste. 200, Lansing, MI 48911. For those choosing this option, we will have envelopes and a memorial box at the celebration on Saturday.