Janet Sue Phillips

Hard-working and loyal, Jan had a passion for cooking. In the 1980s, she opened the Acadian Fare Restaurant as owner and chef, quickly earning acclaim as one of Michigan’s top new dining establishments. She later accepted a position at Albion College as chef and “house mom’ to the fraternity brothers of Alpha Tau Omega, forging lifelong connections and sharing information with generations of students. Through cooking, Jan was a connector; she was fearless with her words and had a laugh that could fill a room. She returned to the community by cooking at local establishments before her retirement. “I love to cook”, she said, “but more than that, I love to feed people.” Jan always stepped up to the challenge, worked for everything she had, and was willing to give it to you if she could.

Hobbies included playing Scrabble, reading books, and cheering for her favorite sports team. Jan was happiest surrounded by her family and friends.

She is survived by her children, Shannon Carlson, Jennifer Morgan and her husband Scott, and Benjamin Carlson and his wife Jennifer; her grandchildren, Madison Carlson, Charlie Morgan, Suzy Morgan, Paul Carlson, and Mia Carlson; her sisters, Vonnie Green and Pam Smith; her niece, Erika Sherman and nephew, Quinton Phillips.

She is preceded in death by her sister Roberta Kay, nephew Damon Sherman, brother Mark Phillips, and her parents, Mike and Rita Smith.

Services will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr. Albion, MI, 49224.

• Visitation: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Celebration of Life: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

• Private Burial to follow