Janet Elaine Graham

Janet Elaine Graham, age 71, of Kalamazoo passed away unexpectedly on October 26, 2024. She was born on December 19, 1952, the daughter of the late Edwin Ray and Evelyn Pearl (Van Kersen) Meek.

Janet grew up on Ira Street on the east side of town (east sider) and graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. She was kind and her smile would light up the room and her laughs were contagious. Janet was willing to help anyone around her with whatever was needed.

As often with being a single mother she juggled multiple roles and responsibilities. She often sacrificed her own needs and wants to provide a stable home for her children. This would often lead to long hours spent working while trying to provide a bright future for her family.

Janet always had her nails done as well as being well put together. She kept her home spotless with many family photos as well as her collection of snowmen and apple decorations. Janet’s favorite time of the year was Christmas. She enjoyed decorating for the holidays as well as listening to holiday music while making home-cooked meals—her peanut butter fudge was hands down the best around. Janet had a green thumb and loved gardening and planting flowers in springtime and watching them grow. She enjoyed word search puzzles and spending as much time as possible at the beach. Janet’s obsession with Pepsi was legendary, in addition, she enjoyed her indulgence in Oreo’s and Milk and Magnum ice cream bars and of course coffee. 

Janet was preceded in death by her parents Edwin & Evelyn; brother, Scott Meek; and her beloved canine companion, Oliver.

She is survived by her children, Micheal (Marsha) Graham and Cassie (Mark) Flick.

Grandchildren, Caitlin (Nick) Beyer, Maggie (Keenan) Sullivan, Mikayla Graham, MJ Flick, as well as 9 beloved exchange student grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Kaydence, Westley, and Rory; and brother, Ricky D (Lynn) Meek.

A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 1:00-3:00pm at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial and Cremation Services, 622 S Burdick St, Kalamazoo, MI 49007.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Janet’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family visit https://www.langelands.com.