Janet Yaman has passed away on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at the age of 76.
Janet Yaman entered this world as Janet Sue Harris, first child of British-born parents, Bertha Jordison Harris and John Bennett "JB" Harris. Their first home was in the Downriver community of Lincoln Park, and Jan was one of many new kids on the block. That meant many playmates and friendships that literally have lasted a lifetime.
She was fortunate to have another childhood in Caseville, where summer weekends were spent on the beach with a different set of great kids and families. Those friendships, too, have endured. In both settings, one constant was the family dog, Trixie. For Jan, she was the best dog ever. That started Jan's passion for dogs, and she enjoyed many "best dogs ever" during her life.
Another passion emerged when she entered the University of Michigan. She quickly became a committed Wolverine. And she loved the School of Nursing and made many friends there. Jan graduated in 1968 and began her 35-year career at the U-M Medical Center. She was a vital part of the Holden Perinatal Unit that saw so many critical-care children. By 2003 the demands of years as an RN at Holden led to Jan's retirement.
While a student, she met her future husband, Peter Yaman, who was in the School of Dentistry. Both in the medical sciences and both avid fans of Michigan Wolverines in football, basketball and hockey, they married in August of 1970.
Jan and "Dr. Pete" then started their family of three boys, Jason, Trent and Jared. And of course, a dog, Renegade. The boys loved their dogs almost as much as Jan did.
Favorite things for Jan meant volunteering as a traveling chaperon with the Huron High School Band on extensive band tours. And always spending as much time as she could at the lake in Caseville. She loved planting flowers, although was not as attentive in weeding. Reading, however, was another matter. Jan always had a book in hand, and a dog leash in the other.
She had a soft spot for animals of all kinds and donated generously to Humane Societies and other related causes. Jan was quite the horsewoman at one time, and loved to ride and jump competitively on her horse Mr. Fantasy.
Jan had a busy life. She filled it as best she could. Many friends have expressed how much she'll be missed
A special thank you to the staff of Memory Lane in recent years for their care and attention.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Jack & Bertha in 1971 and 1987 respectively. She is survived by husband, Pete; and sons, Jason of Greenville SC, Jared of New York NY and Trent (Kimberly, plus grandchildren Ryan and Hailey) of Downers Grove IL. She also is survived by sister, Jeanne Henry (Charlie) of Caseville.
Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Janet.