Janet Harms

Janet Harms passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018. She was born the second daughter of Lovaughn and Everett Harms, and grew up on the family farm near Sunfield with her five siblings: Judy, Bob, Ned, Ted and Carl. She attended Sunfield High school, where she helped start the girls basketball team along with her sister, Judy. Jan played forward and was one of the stars of the team. After graduating, Jan went to Manchester College in Indiana, where she earned her teaching license for the states of Indiana and Michigan and also received a master’s degree from Michigan State University. 

Jan began her career as a high school teacher in Edwardsburg, Mich., then took a position at Charlotte High School, where she taught for 30 years. She specialized in office subjects and Physical Education, and also coached the girls’ volleyball teams for many years.

During her early years as a teacher Jan went on a European trip with friends, returning home with a Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, a painting of the Sacre Coeur in Paris, and many fond memories. She played golf for many years, and contributed her beautiful singing voice to the GFWC Women’s Club Choir and Eaton Area Senior Center Chorus.

Jan was a favorite of her nieces and nephews: David and Susan Harris, Laurie Harms, Charlie Harms, Courtney Barry and Kimberly Garvey, Wendy Hamilton, Carl Jr. and Tyler Harms. At Christmas each year she flew to Santa Barbara, California to spend the holidays with her sister Judy’s family. Her arrival marked the beginning of Christmas for everyone. 

After retiring from teaching, Jan helped found the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte, where she spent many hours volunteering and playing cards with friends. She was always up for a game of cards, whether a competitive game of bridge or hearts with friends, or a silly game of go fish with nieces and nephews.

Jan was dearly loved by her family and friends. She was unfailingly kind and thoughtful, supporting others with her combination of positivity and practicality. She helped care for several close friends and family members during times of sickness. She will be enormously missed, and remembered for her sense of fun, her wonderful laugh, and her concern for others.

A celebration of life will be held May 25, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Eaton Area Senior Center in Charlotte. 

Donations in Janet’s memory can be made to the Eaton Area Senior Center.