Anita was the devoted and loving wife of the late David Jansen, with whom she shared 53 beautiful years of marriage. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others. She was a beloved and proud mother to Lisa Marie (Randy) French, John (Patricia) Jansen, and Cherie (Andy Eckert) Jansen. She was a grandmother to Sarah French, Esmerelda Torres-French, Felicia (Jimmy) Oleksik, Daniel Jansen, Rachel (Jake Miller) Jansen, and Joel Jansen, and great-grandmother to Claire Oleksik. She was the dear sister of Irene Malroit and Raymond Gauvreau and was preceded in death by her siblings Edmund Gauvreau and Gloria Czerniakowski.
In the 1970s, Anita’s caring heart led her to create a program called “Helping Hand,” an initiative designed to protect children walking home from school. Homes displaying a handprint in the window signified a safe place for any child in need of assistance. This simple yet powerful idea reflected her deep commitment to the safety and well-being of children in her community.
Anita later earned her degree in social work, dedicating her professional life to helping battered women and children find safety, hope, and new beginnings. Her charitable spirit and servant’s heart touched countless lives.
Above all, Anita’s greatest achievement was her family. She passed on her charitable spirit, resilience, and love to her children and grandchildren, who will continue to honor her legacy through their own acts of kindness.
Anita will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Visitation will take place at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road in Clinton Township, on Thursday, March 5, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
She will lie in state at St. Michael Catholic Church, 40501 Hayes Road in Sterling Heights on Friday, March 6, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. A Funeral Mass will begin on Friday at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are appreciated to the Clark Foundation, 1551 M.L.K. Jr. Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506.
