Janice Bare

A lively, spirited, and compassionate woman, Janice Bare made a significant impact in the lives of those around her. She was the heartbeat of her family and the rock that held everyone steady when the storms of life blew their way. A more devoted mother would be hard to find, and although Janice loved her children dearly she just may have argued that becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother was her sweetest reward. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around her, Janice created priceless memories with her loved ones that will be lasting treasures for years to come.

The 1930s were some of the darkest days our nation has ever seen due to the unrelenting grip of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared to over 25 percent during the height of the trying days, which left cities, communities, and families to do whatever they could to weather the storm. By 1939 things were beginning to look better, but there was growing turmoil overseas as Germany invaded Poland on September 1st, marking the beginning of WWII. It was just after this historic day that a young couple from Metz, Indiana, focused their attention on a joyous time in their own lives with the birth of their healthy baby girl on December 29th. Baby Janice was the middle of five children born to her parents, Denver and Dorothea Ferrier, and she was raised alongside her sisters and brother. As a young girl Janice moved from Metz, located in the northeast corner of Indiana, to Detroit with her mother to get an education. She was a student at local schools, graduating from St. Leo High School in 1957.

Daily life was forever changed for Janice when she met the young man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name is Nelson Bare, and when they met Janice had 6 children whom Nelson raised as his own, Cynthia, Richard, Cheryl, Kevin, Michele, and Lisa. Six years later they were blessed with a 7th child, Cristina. In the early seventies they moved their growing family to Redford.

Throughout her life Janice treasured her family more than anything else. She took her role as a mother seriously and was fair yet firm when needed. “You kids,” was how she commonly began sentences around the house and at times she was known to say, “You kids will be the death of me!” Janice’s children always knew when she was upset as she made a distinct clicking noise with her tongue, and they also knew that it was Mom who ruled the roost. She enjoyed spending time with her extended family, returning to Angola, Indiana, for family picnics. Janice’s family appreciated her fantastic skills in the kitchen, and she was the one who prepared all the food for various holidays whether she was also hosting in her home or not. Christmas was her favorite time of year, especially when her family grew to include nineteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren during her sunset years.

In addition to being with her family, Janice’s life was enriched in so many other ways. As a young woman she worked at Michigan National Bank, but once she became a mother she took some time away from the workforce. Once her children were all born and a bit older, she returned to the bank. Janice loved to crochet and made blankets for all of her children and grandchildren. She also made numerous Barbie clothes. Janice loved watching figure skating, but her real passion was watching the Red Wings play hockey. She watched all their televised games and often got emotional, too. When it came to music she was country all the way.

Life will never be the same without Janice Bare here, but in her absence her family and friends will hold fast to the memories they created together. She was the matriarch of her family who covered her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with her unconditional love. In everything she did Janice was a gracious woman, yet she also wasn’t afraid to make her thoughts and feelings known. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

Janice Bare died on April 12, 2013. Janice’s family includes her husband, Nelson; children, Cynthia, Richard, Cheryl, Kevin, Michele (Chris), Lisa, and Cristina (Lamin); 19 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren. Visit with Janice’s family and friends on Sunday, 2-9 p.m. at the Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home located at 30200 Five Mile in Livonia, Michigan. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Please visit www.neely-turowski.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guestbook.