Janet Racy

A blessing to those around her, Janet Racy was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was generous, compassionate, and even selfless as there was nothing she wouldn’t do for those around her. Jan’s devotion to her family was easy to see as she truly shined when they were near. She loved heading out on the open water, and it was being surrounded by the beauty of nature that she found such joy. Janet had a wonderful sense of humor and a zest for life that was contagious to all who were near. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know and love her.

Life during the 1920s was filled with great prosperity in cities and towns all across our great land as innovation led the way to new and exciting places. Radios, washing machines, and motion pictures in both color and sound were signs of the time while the lights of Broadway never shined brighter. Amidst this eventful time was the year 1927 when Norman and Gertrude (OBrien) Baker were pleased to announce the birth of the healthy baby girl they named Janet Elaine on June 30, 1927, in Commerce Lake, Michigan. She was the sixth of seven children as she was joined in her family by her older brothers, Allan, Jack, and Norman, her older sisters, Jeanne and Virginia, and also younger brother, Hugh. Janet, or Jan as she was often known, was raised in the bustling family home in the Flushing area of Michigan. Since she was more of a quiet child, all the activity and chaos of the house was sometimes difficult for her to manage. Jan attended local schools and went on to graduate from Northern High School in Flint.

As a young woman Jan was excited for all that life had in store. She began working as a secretary at a tuberculosis hospital, but it was her personal life that soon grew very interesting. Jan met the man who would forever hold the key to her heart after agreeing to a double date with her friend who was going to visit her boyfriend while he was serving in the Army. Her date’s name was Robert “Bob” Racy, and they met after Jan and her friend drove to Maryland to see the two young soldiers. After she returned home, they corresponded through letters and also talked some. Bob was discharged a year later, and the sweethearts were married on July 23, 1958, in Angola, Indiana, since they didn't want a big wedding.

After a honeymoon out West, the newlyweds returned to Flint where they lived for a short time. They then moved Columbus, Ohio, and it was there that they welcomed their daughter, Elaine, into their hearts and home. Jan focused her attention at home while Bob worked, and after about one year in Ohio they moved to Grand Rapids where their family of four was completed with the birth of their son, Ronald. Jan was an amazing mother who was actively involved in the lives of her children. She was vigilant in doing everything she could to teach them while encouraging them to find their own way, and although she kept a neat home she didn’t go overboard with it. Jan also kept everyone organized and managed all the comings and goings of the family. She was a good cook and enjoyed cooking as well as trying new things. Jan eventually learned to prepare some Hungarian dishes from Bob's mother.

Although Jan enjoyed being with her children, she and Bob also took the time to do some things on their own. They were a social couple who often got together with their sailing group of friends, and they also had camping friends as well as friends from Bob's work. Saturday nights often found them eating out with friends, and they also enjoyed visiting with others in their homes. They even hosted lobster parties with lobsters from Maine. They sailed as a family and also with just the two of them. Jan was Bob’s first mate with her own jobs that she was not afraid to take charge of. They spent many weekends on the boat throughout the summer and made numerous good friends along the way. They often sailed together or as a big group all around the Great Lakes. As a family they also loved camping, starting out in a tent on a trip out West. Over the years they upgraded to small campers. As a family they traveled all over the country including with friends at times. Jan also bowled for years.

Their retirement years provided Jan and Bob with more time for doing what they loved. They took an anniversary cruise for their 25th anniversary, and from there they took 13 more over the years including some in Europe. Jan and Bob also traveled extensively throughout the United States including three trips to Alaska and also throughout much of Europe. They also bought a home in Bokeelia, Florida, where they could sail and boat from nearby their home. Jan loved being that close to the water and all the unpolluted beaches that were just a short boat ride away. They kept that home for 21 years and made some great friends there, too. During the summer they returned to Michigan and did a lot of boating on the Great Lakes. For a few years they even lived on their boat, but they eventually bought another home in Michigan, which allowed them to spend time with their granddaughter. Jan loved just sitting and reading with Monica. As her health declined over the past 15 years, Jan continued living the life she enjoyed while being tenderly cared for by her beloved husband and daughter, Elaine. Jan enjoyed reading, was a whiz at crossword puzzles, and loved watching the news to remain up on current events.

A lover of life, Janet Racy made the most of the moments she was given while holding her loved ones near. She was never concerned with building wealth or accumulating possessions, rather, her focus was on making memories alongside the ones she loved most. Jan was sweet, fun-loving, and funny with a personality that drew others near with ease. A devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, and loyal friend, she will never be forgotten.

Janet Elaine Racy, age 87 of Grand Rapids, passed away June 27, 2015. Jan is survived by her husband of nearly 57 years, Bob; their children Elaine Racy and Ronald Racy; granddaughter Monica Elaine Racy; sister, Virginia Molstad and several friends. She was preceded in death by 4 brothers and a sister. The service to remember and celebrate Jan's life will be held on Thursday, July 2 at 1 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW where friends may visit with her family for a time immediately following the service. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. To read more about Jan's life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com