Beverly Janda

Beverly Lafferty Janda (Bev), born September 7th, 1937, left her earthly life on August 2, 2023. She had a passion for art and beauty. For years she taught herself acrylic, water color, and oil painting. Another love was her work family at Clipper Belt Lacer Company, now Flexco. She was the smiling face at the front desk for many years, holding various positions over her 20 years there.

And in the last few months of her earthly life, she would dangle her feet off the side of the bed and have long visits and laughs with these work friends, unseen to the human eye. She had long visits with her parents (Jim and Frances “ma and dad”) and her aunts (Vesta and Florence) who were waiting to welcome her on the other side.

Combining her love of art and work life, she would come home from work, relax with a “whiskey sandwich” (third love), read the newspaper, and watch Bob Ross on PBS paint with oils. What is a “whiskey sandwich” you ask? Bev’s recipe: Canadian Club whiskey, ice, splash of diet coke, more Canadian Club whiskey, sip the top layer, and replace it with a new layer. Then report to the doctor you have only one nightly cocktail.

As her grandchildren grew up, she doted on them with steak dinners, and vanilla ice cream with homemade hot fudge. She gave them coloring books and paint by numbers. Holidays were marked with Easter baskets, gingerbread houses, and beautifully wrapped Christmas gifts – always the artist. She applauded their artistic expression, their humor, and their accomplishments. She loved to laugh at their stories. Bev's last smile was with great-granddaughter, Alice, the brightest of lights in this world!

She is survived by her daughter, Jill, and her son, Mitch, along with grandchildren, great grandchildren, and her siblings. Summer Wednesdays with mom at Lake Michigan are favorite childhood memories for Mitch and Jill, along with trips to Ionia to see mom’s family and play at the Ionia Free Fair.

Bev’s sister, Barb (Bobbi), was her dear friend and frequent caregiver, and many days were spent in later years laughing and recounting childhood stories. Bev was grateful for visits with Emil in her final year, bringing her great joy.

We would like to thank Faith Hospice and Care Cardinal Kentwood for end-of-life care. Special care and love were given daily by the nurses and staff at Care Cardinal - Sue was her best buddy, and Carlos was her novio. Karis, Paul, Kristina, Chaplain Beth, and Cynthia from Faith Hospice provided exceptional care to Bev and to her family. Cynthia made sure she was always lovely with hair brushed and nails painted. How are there sufficient words to thank medical professionals?

The family will be having a private celebration of Bev’s life on her birthday. Thank you for your prayers, love, and fun stories. In lieu of flowers, donations to Faith Hospice can be given in her name: https://faithhospicecare.org/donate/ or to Faith Hospice in memory of Bev Janda, 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 200, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.