Janet Smade

Janet Louise Smade, age 71, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2026. She joins the chorus of God’s angels with those she was preceded in death by, including her parents, Henry and Mary Soczawa, and her sister, Diane McKelvey. She is survived by her sons, Jesse and Jamie Smade, daughter Kayla (Benjamin) Reedy; grandchildren Charlotte and Jackson Reedy; brother, Ron (Anne) Soczawa; sister Elaine (Chuck Chervenka) Bower; niece Christine (Brian) Hooks; nephew David (Lindsay) McKelvey; and her beloved cat, Tony.

Janet was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 16, 1954 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy from Wayne State University in 1984. She moved to Grand Rapids in 2021 shortly after retirement. She loved her three children and two grandchildren deeply, dedicated her career to helping others, and always had a great sense of humor.

The family will receive friends at Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Thursday, January 15, from 4:00 to 7:00pm. With the Mass of Christian Burial being held at, St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 2700 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, at 1:00pm on Friday, January 16th. Contributions may be made to the church where Janet practiced her faith with a full and generous heart.

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