JANIS K. FONTANA

Janis K. Fontana, age 72, 930 East Clifford St., Plymouth, formerly of Iron Mountain, Mich., and Lansing, Mich., passed away Wednesday morning, Sept. 2, 2009, at her home in Plymouth.

Janis was born on Dec. 14, 1936, in Winfield, Kan., a daughter of the late William Newell and Kathleen Teresa McMaster Atkins.

She lived in many places throughout her life, including Texas, Mexico, Illinois, Connecticut, Michigan and finally Wisconsin.

Janis’s life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile, unconditional love, and understanding nature brought so much joy to our family.

Janis was married to William J. Ide of Springfield, Ill., from 1961 until 1985. In 1986, she married Charles (Bob) Fontana who preceded her in death.

She received a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Sangamon State University in Springfield, Ill., at the age of 45. At that time she was working as a nursery school teacher in Springfield at the First Congregational Church. She loved working with all children and later moved to New Haven, Conn., where she became the director of The School on Notch Hill. Finally, when Janis and Bob relocated to Michigan, she became the director of the childhood nutrition program for the Association for Child Development.

Janis enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. In her early years, she loved making various crafts, developing felt board puppet plays, and writing children’s stories. She collected lighthouses and beach glass from her many travels with Bob. Their favorite place to visit was Hawaii.

Janis is survived by two sons, David (Nancy) Ide of Florissant, Mo., and James (Beth Ann) Ide of Clayton, N.C.; two daughters, Angela (Jeff) Colby of Cleveland, Wis., Stacey (Tom) Simpson of New Holstein, Wis., three stepsons, Mike (Sandy) Fontana of Carbondale, Ill., Bart (Kim) Fontana of Pawnee, Ill., and Ken (Mary) Fontana of St. Charles, Mo.; six grandchildren, Katie Ide, Jennifer Ide, Gabby Fontana, Adam Colby, Kristin Ide, and Lucas Fontana; one brother, William (Eva) Atkins; two nieces, Lauren Atkins and Sandy Pratt; and one nephew, Robby Carter.

She is also survived by many relatives and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her younger sister, Teresa C. Dinsmore.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Suchon Funeral Home in Plymouth. The Rev. Julia Hollister, pastor of First Congregational Church in Sheboygan will officiate. Burial will take place in the afternoon at St. Johannes Cemetery in Cleveland.

Friends may call at the Suchon Funeral Home located at 1317 state 67, Plymouth, on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service.

A memorial fund is being established in Janis’ name for American Diabetes Association.

Suchon Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Plymouth is serving her family. For online condolences, visit www.suchonfh.com.

The family sends a special thanks to the staff at the South Horizon Apartments and also the Plymouth Care Center, as well as her special friends there with whom she played cards on many afternoons and evenings. They would also like to thank the Visiting Nurses Association, Tim with Custom Care and Transport Service, the staff at Aurora Pharmacy in Plymouth and all of her doctors and nurses. Your love and compassion towards our loved one was greatly appreciated.