JANES, MARY ELLEN (MULLETT)

Mary Ellen Janes, 91 of Mt. Pleasant, MI passed away February 5, 2024, in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born March 6th, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, daughter of James and Mary (O’mara) Mullett. Mary Ellen attended St. Rita’s Catholic School followed by the University of Detroit, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English. When her youngest was in elementary school, she enrolled at Central Michigan University. She received two additional Bachelor’s Degrees in Art and Counseling, together with a Master’s Degree in Counseling. Early on Mary Ellen made the choice to follow her one true passion, being a mother. Her first child being born in 1955 and her youngest being born in 1973, she had her hands full raising eight children. When her youngest entered school she then entered the workplace. She first was employed by Sacred Heart Academy where she taught high school Religion and English. After eight years, she worked at Central Michigan Community Hospital as a counselor in their psychiatric ward. Mary Ellen’s faith in God and her family were the core of her existence. A devoted catholic she attended Mass many days a week. Paul and Mary Ellen purchased a cottage on Torch Lake, creating wonderful family memories of summer fun on the lake and snow skiing excursions in the winter. They could not have provided a more special upbringing for their children. Mary Ellen married John Paul Janes (J. Paul) on December 28th, 1954, in Detroit. Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Michael (Denise) of Gross Pointe Farms, Douglas (Pamela) of Beaverton, Eric (Lisa) of Weidman, Mark (Cynthia) of Ada, Paul (Melissa) of East Grand Rapids, Maura (William) of Cascade and Julie (Stephen) of Lake Odessa; 16 grandchildren; nine step grandchildren; four great grandchildren; three step great grandchildren; brother, Michael Mullett of Troy; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, J. Paul; son, Gregory Paul; parents, James and Mary Mullett; and brother, John Mullett. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home on Friday, February 9th from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. with the Vigil service beginning at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass for Mary Ellen will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Saturday, February 10th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. Rite of Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery, concluding with a luncheon at Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home). Memorial contributions can be made to Sacred Heart Academy Foundation or the J. Paul and Mary Ellen Janes Scholarship Fund through the Mt Pleasant Area Community Foundation. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church. To sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.charlesrlux.com.