Janet Ann (Carey) Couzens

Janet Carey Couzens passed away peacefully in the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Portage, Michigan on the afternoon of December 19, 2020. Janet was a resident of Freedom Village in Lake Forest, California prior to a recent move and was elated to be surrounded by loved ones in her final days.

Janet was born in Detroit Michigan, to L.J. & Lena Carey. She was one of six children, raised in a loving and immensely faith-filled family. She married James Couzens II in 1948 and with him launched their family which now includes ten children, twenty grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren who were her absolute pride and joy.

Divorced in 1976, at 48 years old, she made her own path. She was known for her ability to see the positive in every challenge and persevere. She moved to California in 1984, to be near her sister and care for her own mother. She launched a career in real estate, while enjoying golf, travel, and gatherings with numerous friends. Her sense for adventure was unmatched. At 91 she jumped into a van during a pandemic and moved across the country to live out her days surrounded by family. Though she was a successful realtor, she would tell you that she made peanut-butter sandwiches for most of her life. Her poignant sense of humor and radiant smile preceded her into any room.

She is survived by eight children: James Couzens III, Kathleen (Len) Kempa, Bob Couzens, Mary Beth (Tom) Henry, Colleen Stricklin, Patti Stewart, Sharon (Bruce) Billedeaux, and Maureen Moore; grandchildren Kelly Couzens, James Couzens IV, Lisa (Ryan) Strong, Matt Kempa, Thomas (Sarah) Hudson, David (Lindsay) Hudson, Chris Hudson, Brittnie Couzens, Kristen Couzens, Mackenzie Henry, Madison Henry, Tommy Henry, Paul (Shelby) Stricklin, Maggie Stricklin, Jackie Hiseley, Tony Hiseley, Ali Billedeaux, Alex Billedeaux, Casey Moore, and Lorin Moore; as well as ten cherished great-grandchildren. She is also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of life-long friends. She is preceded in death by two children, Jeri (Tom) Hudson and Michael Couzens, as well as her parents, and her five siblings.

A family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family gently suggests donations in her name to the charity of your choice. In this way her name will have the widest arms, reaching out to help all those in need.