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Fontayne BoVee-Simpson

March 26, 2023
Portage, MI

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BoVee-Simpson, Fontayne 4/9/1942 - 3/26/2023 Portage, Michigan Fontayne was born on April 9th, 1942, to Forrest and Anne Bradley (Loomer) in Rochester, New York; given the birth name, Janice Irene Bradley. The family moved to Royal Oak, Michigan when Janice was 3 years old where she graduated from Dondero High School in 1960. She then went to Western Michigan University and earned her teaching degree in 1964. One week later, she married Kenneth Wayne Smith. From this union, two children were born: a son Scott and a daughter Kimberly. After 8 years of marriage, they transitioned from marriage to friendship. She taught Art and History for 30 years at Climax-Scotts public schools and was active on the school board. She also enjoyed helping on the homecoming floats and made many life-long connections with students and colleagues. In 1988, Janice changed her name from Janice Smith to Fontayne BoVee. Many people assured her that changing her name would bring big changes in her life, and they were right. Within a year, she met and married the love of her life, Joseph Simpson. Fontayne and Joe were married for 25 years and enjoyed each other's company immensely. Fontayne will be remembered for her unique and fun-loving personality, joke telling, kindnesses shown to others, her love of trees and nature, and her infectious laugh and smile. She was a clever and talented artist who dabbled in many different mediums but especially loved calligraphy, colored pencil projects, and creating altered books. Fontayne's first love was her family, and she cherished her grandchildren to whom she was known as "Memaw". Many wonderful memories were created from sleepovers, holiday parties, and of course the many fun-filled driving lessons. Throughout the years, the relationship between Fontayne and her daughter Kimberly blossomed into an exceptional friendship. The family would like to thank the care staff at Brookdale Assisted Living of Portage and Centrica Hospice Services for the love and care they gave to Fontayne while she lived at Brookdale. As a true light in the world, she will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Kimberly Smith-Varney (Brian), her daughter-in-law, Amy Flora-Smith, three grandchildren: Forrest Varney, Hayden Smith, and Autumn [Varney] Eaton (Charlie), and her great-granddaughter Hazel Eaton. Fontayne was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest & Anne Bradley, her husband, Joe Simpson, her son, Scotty Smith, and her ex-husband, Kenneth Wayne Smith. We are sure a joyous and happy reunion is taking place. Services will be held at Unity of Kalamazoo (1204 Whites Road) on Thursday, April 27th; starting with a family visitation at 12:30pm and a Celebration of Life service at 1:00pm. Desserts and coffee will immediately follow the service. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Fontayne's name to Unity of Kalamazoo or to a charity of your choice.