Janice Lorraine Maggini

November 25, 1936 ~
September 6, 2022

Janice “Jan” L. Maggini, age 85, of Wyoming, was called to her heavenly home on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. She was preceded in death by her parents, Stanley and Erma Ostapowicz. Jan’s passion for education began in 1954. Jan graduated from Grand Rapids Junior College and earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University. She taught in the Wyoming Public Schools, where she earned the 1990 Junior High School Teacher of the Year Award. She was named one of One of Ten Outstanding Women of Wyoming. She retired in 1997 as assistant principal at Jackson Park Middle School. She was a founding member of the Board of Trustees at Grand Rapids Community College from 1991 until 2011 and was named board chair in 2003. She also served as a trustee-director to the Michigan Community College Association and was elected chair of its executive council in 2003. Jan continued to serve on the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board of Directors from 2011 to 2018. Throughout her career in education Jan kept the focus on students. She was known to advocate for students and ensure that all had equal opportunity and access to learning. In memory of Jan’s mother, Erma Ostapowicz, the family established the Grandma “O” Scholarship Fund for women who face adversity while enrolled part time at Grand Rapids Community College. Jan’s love of family could be seen in the never-ending number of gatherings that she planned and attended with her devoted family. She will be dearly missed by her “special people:” her loving husband of 62 years, Frank; children, Tony and Kim Maggini, Dan and Teresa Kamstra, Todd and Amy Maggini; grandchildren, Nick (Michelle) and Morgan Maggini; Katie (Nick) Kragt, Travis (Josie) Kamstra, Tyler (Rachel) Kamstra, Karah and Trent Kamstra, and Chloe, Lia, Ellie, and Lacie Maggini; Great-grandchildren, Emery, Asher, and Kolson Kragt, Ava Elena, Beckham Kamstra, and Krew Kamstra. Jan also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Jan’s interests and hobbies were many and diverse. However, spending time with family was her priority. She spent endless hours attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events, rarely missing the opportunity. She delighted in spending time with the great-grandchildren in her later years. She loved to spend winters at their home in Siesta Key, Florida, where she relished in walking the beach and taking in sunsets. During the warmer months, she enjoyed spending time in nature at the family cottage in Irons, Michigan. Jan’s faith in God was of utmost importance to her. She devotedly participated in teaching and serving in various other roles in the Catholic church. “Love you more!” Jan had two quotes that she often cited and by which she beautifully lived. First, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou. Second, “Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows.” - Helen Keller. Jan’s family would like to thank the loving staff at The Oaks at Byron Center for the outstanding, compassionate, and loving care that she received during the final months of her life. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 13, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming. Entombment at Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park Ave, Wyoming, Michigan on Monday, September 12, 1:00–3:00 p.m. and 5:30–8:00 p.m. A Vigil will be at 5:30 pm. Family and friends may also meet with the family Tuesday, September 13, 10:00–11:00 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church prior to Mass. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Faith Hospice, The American Cancer Society, or the Grandma “O” Scholarship Fund at Grand Rapids Community College.