Janet Helsley

ST. JOSEPH – Janet M. Helsley, 76, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on February 1, 2011, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in New York City, NY on December 6, 1934 to Dr. George E. and Alice (Irish) McConnell, Janet graduated from Carthage High School in Carthage, New York. After earning a Bachelors Degree from Syracuse University, she worked for New York Gas and Electric. Janet then earned a Masters Degree from Purdue University, and went on to work for Whirlpool Corporation, which brought her to St. Joseph. While at Whirlpool, she met John Helsley; and they were married on Aug. 25th, 1962 at Hendricks Chapel on the campus of Syracuse University. Janet loved her community, and was proud to serve as Shoreham Village Clerk for many years, and as St. Joseph Charter Township Clerk for many more. The pinnacle of her public service career came when she was named Michigan Clerk of the Year by the Michigan Townships Association in 2001. Janet volunteered at many local civic organizations including the Holly Market, Berrien and Cass County Fairs, Krasl Art Center, Child and Family Services, and many others. She was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph, and served on several boards and commissions in the congregation. There were several hobbies which Janet enjoyed tremendously. A strong influence from her New England ancestry led her to learn New England basket weaving. She joined several basket weaving groups, and travelled throughout the country to learn her craft. She also loved quilting, and was a member of the Berrien Towne and Country Quilters Guild, and Woven Together in Kalamazoo Basketmakers Guild. She had fond memories of her many involvements, and was very active in them until her recent illness. New England held a special place in Janet's heart, especially Cape Cod and the Islands of Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. She treasured annual family summer vacations at the family cottage, and made numerous trips to all areas of The Cape throughout her life. Travelling was something Janet always enjoyed. She wouldn't hesitate to hop in the car with a couple friends, and drive for days to see another part of the country. Her spirit of wanderlust never left her. She was surrounded by many dear and close friends who brought her immense joy through their gracious and loyal friendships. Janet will be missed by those who knew her, and remembered for her smile, and unending desire to learn and to help others. Janet was so glad her children lived near to her, which allowed her to be involved in her grandchildren's lives. She adored them, and was so proud of each of them and their accomplishments. Watching them grow, attending their numerous sporting events, and seeing them perform at school functions, made her smile. Janet is survived by her husband John Helsley, Sr.; their two children, John (Jayne Ann) Helsley, Jr. of St. Joseph, Joanne (Matt) Abbott of Bloomfield Hills, MI; grandchildren, Samantha, Cassidy, and Jackson Helsley, and David, and Katherine Abbott; her brother George E. (Rose) McConnell, Jr. of West Webster, NY; and a niece and nephew. Visitation will be held at Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 3, and a Celebration of Life Service led by Rev. Wade Panse will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 4 at the First United Methodist Church in St. Joseph. Those wishing to share a memory online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, St. Joseph; Hospice at Home; Woven Together in Kalamazoo Basketmakers Guild; or Berrien Towne and Country Quilters Guild.