Janet was born on February 12, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, to Joseph and Edith DeGreef (Titherage).
She earned an Associate Degree in Business from Lansing Community College and dedicated 40 years of service as an Administrative Assistant with the Michigan Education Association (MEA) before retiring.
On May 2, 1964, Janet married the love of her life, James Michael Gonda. They shared 55 wonderful years of marriage before James preceded her in death in 2019.
Janet was a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her family. She especially cherished taking her children and grandchildren on trips to Disney World creating memories they would treasure forever.
Known for her kindness, compassion, and welcoming spirit, Janet made everyone feel included and loved. She enjoyed reading, gardening, playing bingo, watching her grandchildren's activities, margarita nights with friends, cheering on MSU hockey, going to the movies, and sharing breakfast with Cease and Terri.
She was also an active member of Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, where she served on the Social Committee for many years.
Above all else, Janet's greatest love was her family, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
Janet is survived by her three daughters: Kimberly (Frederick) Toman, Stacy Dowdy, and Melissa (Ryan) Thompson; her grandchildren: Tyler (Skyelar) Grogitsky, Gabriel Toman, Bryce (Bobbi) Toman, Dekan Dowdy, Jazmyn Thompson, and Cruz Thompson; and her great-grandchildren: Caroline Grogitsky, Axton Toman, and Weston Toman.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. and 5:00–8:00 p.m. at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, 205 E. Washington St., DeWitt, MI 48820. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., at the funeral home, with visitation one hour prior from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Heartland Hospice, 2150 Association Dr., Okemos, MI 48864, or to St. Vincent de Paul.
