Jane Schember Robertson

I am deeply saddened to announce that my sister, Janie Schember, passed away today at 4:01 pm after a lengthy illness. She was 83. She is survived by her brothers, Dan and Steve, and by two sons Corwin and Mitchell. A third son, Steven, passed away several years ago. She was divorced from her husband for many years.

Janie grew up in Grand Haven, Michigan, and graduated from Grand Haven High School near the top of her class in 1961. She was elected as an officer of the Student Council, and was active in many school activities

Title 9 didn’t exist then or Janie would have been an outstanding athlete. She was an outstanding dancer and singer and starred in the school play, “The Boy Friend,” where her performing skills were on display for all to see.

Janie attended the University of Michigan where she majored in Modern Dance and was the campus twist champion. She remained a diehard Wolverine fan her entire life.

After graduating from UM, Janie taught school outside Detroit for several years and later worked as a seamstress designing and sewing dresses and outfits for the many auto shows in the Detroit area.

Janie moved to Bradenton Beach, Florida, in the 1980s and quickly became involved in local politics. She served on the Bradenton Beach Commission for several terms and was active in helping preserve the “old Florida” atmosphere there. As always, Janie was popular and had many friends in the area.

In recent years, her health declined, and she had to move to an ALF. Her family was at her side when she peacefully passed away.

Janie will be cremated and laid to rest in the family plot at the Grand Haven Cemetery. No funeral arrangements have been made as yet, but a memorial ceremony will no doubt take place this spring in Grand Haven.