Jana L. VanAntwerp

**In Loving Memory of Jana Porter VanAntwerp**

**June 21, 1954 – September 4, 2024**

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jana (Porter) VanAntwerp on September 4, 2024, in Portage, MI at the age of 70. She was born on June 21, 1954, at Kindley Air Force Base in Hamilton, Bermuda. Jana was a beacon of love to all who knew her.

Jana was the beloved first child of David and Rita Porter. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of twenty five years, Dale VanAntwerp, whom she married on May 4, 1991. Jana was also preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Stanley Porter. Jana was the eldest child.

Jana is survived by a large and devoted family, including her sister Julie (Mike) Noteboom and brother Aaron (Neena) Porter. She is also survived by loving nieces and nephews Alecia Chandler, Michael A. Noteboom, Daniel Noteboom, Rachael Noteboom, Anne Porter, Jeffrey Porter, and Rebecca Porter; Michael VanAntwerp and Staci (VanAntwerp) Rijssenbeek.

Jana's educational journey began at Schoolcraft High School, where she graduated in 1972. Subsequently she worked for several years as a Vet Tech for Dr. J. E. Sauer at Schoolcraft Animal Clinic where she greatly enjoyed caring for the animals. Jana attended Lansing Community College for a time before ultimately pursuing her passion for nursing. Jana obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse degree from Southwest Michigan College in 1984. She then worked as an LPN at Park Village Pines residence in Kalamazoo and as a Medical Surgical Nurse at Borgess Medical Center.

Jana found her true calling in nursing and advanced in her career. She obtained her Registered Nurse degree from Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1990 alongside her sister Julie. Jana’s dedication to the nursing profession was unwavering; she made important contributions and was recognized for her expertise and dedication.

Jana met her husband Dale first while caring for him while she was an LPN at Borgess. She was struck by Dale’s concern for a roommate despite his own illness. Later, Jana and Dale went out for coffee and ended up falling in love.

Jana went on to work for the Visiting Nurse Association and later became Hospice Clinical Director for Borgess Visiting Nurse and Hospice Association, having achieved Hospice and Palliative Nurse Certification. She then worked for many years as the Director of Nursing Services for the Sisters of Saint Joseph, well regarded by the religious Sisters for whom she cared. Jana's excellence in nursing was recognized with the prestigious Burton Upjohn Award at Borgess Medical Center and the 2004 State of Michigan Hospice Nurse of the Year award from the Michigan Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.

A true "Force of Nature," Jana was deeply involved in her community. She was a Girl Scout all through her school years, and achieved Girl Scouting’s highest honor the Girl Scout Gold Award. She remained active in Girl Scouting, and loved Camp Merrie Woode on Lake Doster. Jana attended many summer camp sessions as a girl, then became a Girl Scout waterfront camp counselor including as Water Safety Instructor and Life saver. She proudly took on the counselor name “Frog” due to her experience as a strong swimmer and lifeguard. Jana’s love for Girl Scouting extended to offering opportunity to young special needs girls by starting a special needs Girl Scout Troop as a co-leader.

The list of Jana’s service to others is yet longer. She served on the Schoolcraft Ambulance Service and on their board. At different points she was involved in the Big Brother Big Sister program, in the Schoolcraft Lions Club including a stint as first female President. She was a camp nurse for Schoolcraft Seventh grade camp, and she also served on the board of Cedar Park senior living in Schoolcraft.

After retiring from Nursing, Jana became an ordained Pastor. As a Pastor, she officiated several weddings, uniting many couples.

Jana’s love for nature was evident in her hobbies which included hiking, camping, swimming, and exploring the Great Lakes. She backpacked in several places including northern Canada, northern Michigan and the Smokie Mountains. Her love for animals was boundless, and she found great joy in their company.

Jana’s love for her family and friends always came first. She was especially fond of her nieces and nephews on whom she doted. Christmas presents from her were always lovingly chosen and so beautifully wrapped. Birthdays were a very special occasion, with Jana spending time individually with each one on their special day.

Jana and Dale also had fun and interesting travel adventures, within the US from coast to coast & Alaska and in Europe where they saw both the Berlin Wall and the Eiffel Tower.

With her big heart and incredible energy Jana took excellent, loving care of Dale as his health declined, up to his death in 2016. Afterwards she grieved deeply.

Jana ultimately crossed paths again with Bob Melvin Jr whom she knew from high school. To the delight of her family and friends, she and Bob became partners and spent many good times together, including the chance for Jana to return to her birthplace, Bermuda in January 2023. As Jana’s own health declined, Bob helped provide loving care so she was able to be at home as she desired.

Friends may gather with Jana’s family on Sunday, September 22, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Location, where Jana's funeral service will be held on September 23, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The service will be a celebration of her remarkable life, open to all who wish to pay their respects and share in the memories of a woman who touched so many hearts.

Donations in Jana’s memory may be made to Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan - Camp Merrie Woode at https://donate.gshom.org/give/598262/#!/donation/checkout or mail to, 601 W Maple Street, Kalamazoo MI 49008, Camp Merriwoode, or to the SPCA, two organizations close to her heart.

Jana (Porter) VanAntwerp's legacy is one of love, dedication, and an indomitable spirit. She will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those who had the privilege to know and love her.