Janice married her high school sweetheart, David Dewey, on December 22, 1973.
As a student, Janice excelled. She was honored as the Valedictorian in high school and graduated magna cum laude from Western Michigan University in three years. After graduating with her B.S., Janice spent many years working for Tri County Area Schools in several buildings as a teacher, counselor, and later, after retiring, as a board member, constantly looking for ways to improve the lives of her students. She began her career as a music teacher, then transitioned into kindergarten, where she created a developmental kindergarten program for Young-5’s. After getting her master’s degree from WMU, Janice was a school counselor for her district. She finished her career teaching 2nd grade. Janice worked at Sand Lake Elementary, MacNaughton Elementary, Edgerton Elementary, and Tri County Middle and High School, for a total of 37 years.
Janice served as a trustee and secretary for the Tri County School Board and as a trustee for the Village of Sand Lake.
Janice was proud to be a descendant of the Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri. She enjoyed having this connection with her grandchildren and loved participating in cultural events and watching them dance at powwows. She was a Co-founder of the organization Bimose Ode that she started with her daughter, granddaughter, and a family friend to provide education and advocacy to the surrounding communities. She also belonged to the Native Circle of Newaygo County.
When she wasn’t busy, Janice loved taking long drives with David, coloring, doing word puzzles and jigsaw puzzles with her grandkids, and building fairy gardens. She enjoyed traveling to Ohio to catch games or attend track or swim meets for her grandsons. Janice will be remembered for her selflessness and her commitment to serving her community. Even after retiring, she completed the necessary steps to return as a counselor to help out students having troubles during the pandemic. Janice always had something to give back.
Janice is survived by her husband of 48 years, David; children David (Roshelle) Dewey and Kristen (Joshua) Green; grandchildren Alexander, Braydon, Jade, Jorja, Josilyn, and Julian; mother Margaret Burke; brothers Gary (Candace) Burke and Scott (Cindy) Burke; sister Cheryl (Terry) Heyboer; brothers-in-law Lawrence (Luanne) Dewey and John (Jody) Dewey; sisters-in-law Joanne (Jerry) Verburg and Patricia (Richard) Anderson, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Paul.
A memorial celebration will be held later this year on Janice’s birthday, August 2. Details will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to L.O.V.E., Native Circle of Newaygo County, Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, or Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan.
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