Josephine McIsaac

Jannette McIsaac, age 85, passed away on February 14, 2018, peacefully at her home. Jannette’s family and friends will remember her as a generous, caring family woman. Her life began on March 16, 1932, daughter of Anna and Monsoor Alkasses. Jannette was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jack; son-in-law, Bob Eleveld; her parents; brother John Alkasses; sisters, Wedot Attala and Rosemary Salik; brothers-in-law, Jim Salik and David Abraham; nephew Mike Attala. Jannette’s life is celebrated by her daughters, Michele McIsaac, Teresa Koelzer, and Lisa (Scott) Jewell, her very special grandson, Jonathan (Kelsey Grable) Koelzer; friend and caregiver, Felicia Crigier; sister Adele Abraham; brother-in-law, Herb Attala; sister-in-law Nola Alkasses; and many nieces and nephews. It was as a student at Catholic Central High School that she would meet the love of her life, Jack. Their first date to the Snow Shoe Shuffle would turn into a six-decade long romance. Jannette loved having family and friends around the kitchen table, talking and laughing over good food. She was a fabulous cook, always trying and experimenting with recipes. She often held informal cooking classes in her kitchen for her daughters, nieces and friends. She was also an expert seamstress and knitter with family and friends the beneficiaries of her work. Jannette was ever mindful of those less fortunate and supported the work of several non-profit organizations. She loved the Catholic Church and for years prepared food for funerals and donated flowers for holidays. She also supported the work of the Carmelite Sisters. Jannette does not want anyone to be sad. When you think of her, please remember her warm smile, keen wit and generous, loving spirit. The family would like to thank the medical professionals who cared for Jannette and all those who called, visited, sent cards and kept Jannette in their prayers, specifically, Father Mike Danner, Sandy and Kevin Hornak, Jim and Louise Opperman, Sonny and Peg Palczewski, Deacon Larry Hoogeboom, her many nieces and friends and St. Jude Church. A Memorial Mass for Jannette will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 11am at St. Jude Catholic Church, 1120 4 Mile Road, NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, followed by a luncheon with the family at the St. Jude Monsignor Charles Brophy Center. The family will greet friends one-hour prior to Mass on March 24th. In lieu of flowers, please remember Jannette with a gift to cancer research or to your favorite charity. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Josephine “Jannette” McIsaac please visit our Sympathy Store.