Janet Margaret Bell Denomy's Obituary
On Tuesday January 10, Janet Margaret Bell Denomy, ninety-eight, passed away peacefully with family at her side. Janet was living at Americas House in Charlevoix Michigan at the time of her passing. Born in Marine City Michigan on October 15, 1924, to Chester and Bessie Bell. Janet lived the first 94 years of her life as a resident of St. Clair County.
Growing up, She and her family, lived on St. Clair Street in Marine City Michigan. It was in Marine City she developed her lifelong love of water and the St. Clair “Big” River. Her happiest childhood memories seemed to always coincide with her interaction with the Big River. Her father Chester Bell was a Chief Engineer for the Interlake Steamship Company. It was this Big River that would bring her father by throughout the shipping season, when she could take a summer adventure with him on the various steamships on which he was assigned. Or in winter when she would walk on the ice to Canada, to get candy. In the spring of 1945 when, because of a nursing school residency in Marion Indiana she believed she would miss a whole summer without getting in the river, Janet jumped in twice in early April. As she would often say “I jumped in twice just to prove the first time was not an accident. The waters of the St. Clair River would always be a place of peace and joy throughout her life. Later in life as Janet was approaching her 90’s, she would gage her physical abilities on keeping fit enough so she could navigate in and out of the water on the small ladders at the boardwalk in St. Clair.
Janet graduated from Marine City High School in 1942 before attending the nursing program at the University of Michigan, graduating in 1945. She often said she graduated 1st in her class, “because Abernathy and Adams flunked out”. She was readying herself for a role in the war effort as a nurse in the US Navy. World War II ended the year she graduated from the University of Michigan, and what will happen so many times in her life, she pivoted and began a lifelong career in nursing in St. Clair County.
On May 30, 1947, she married Joseph Raymond Denomy Sr. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in St. Clair Michigan. After a honeymoon in Michigan that included the purchase of a cribbage board from the prison store in Marquette, Michigan (more to come on that) they began their life together in St. Clair, Michigan. In approximately 1950 Janet and Joseph moved into the home they would spend the rest of their lives together in. The home, originally located on Clinton Avenue in St. Clair, was relocated less than 100 yards from its original location to 611 S. Carney Dr. Together in this home they would build a life and a family, raising their five children and staying active with friends and family and St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
It was always family that came first with Janet. She and Joseph would work together to provide the best for their family. Janet used her nursing degree and began her career at the original St. Clair Hospital. Together they would flex work and home in the best way they knew how. Janet then transferred to Mercy Hospital in Port Huron. In 1966 River District Hospital opened in East China, Michigan and seizing this opportunity Janet transferred and worked here for twenty years until her retirement in 1986. At the time of her retirement, she was the day shift supervisor and had forged a reputation as a fair and loving caregiver.
Janet and Joseph retired at the same time at the age of 62. (Their birthdays were only 2 days apart) Janet from River District Hospital and Joseph from Mueller Brass. They wanted to be able to spend more time together doing the things they loved. Together they would travel as much as possible. It was important to both that they stay in touch with family and friends. Always wanting to give back, they became active in charity organizations in St. Clair County. Both Janet and Joseph were active in Hospice for St. Clair County. They also worked with Meals on Wheels to help those less fortunate.
Janet’s love of friends and family is plainly evident in the way she lived and approached her life. She had an ever-present smile and pleasing demeanor and was often seen striking up conversations with just about anyone. With family she made sure she was present at all important events, graduations, family reunions. Janet also loved card games, especially, what she referred to as the “best two-handed card game,” cribbage. She made a point to teach all her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren to play all games with fairness and most importantly, honesty. “You can only play the cards you’re dealt,” she would often say. She used this not only with cards but with life as well. “It is what it is,” was one of her favorite quotes.
Janet loved to travel. She would often say “Don’t invite me unless you really want me to go, because I’ll go.” And go she did. Because she was so pleasant and easy to travel with, Janet received a lot of invitations to travel. Her many adventures included trips with family and friends. An Alaska cruise, London, the Grand Canyon, Mexico, and many other adventures. If someone was going somewhere and needed a companion, Janet would go. As a house guest, Janet made sure she contributed to making the stay as pleasant as possible for everyone. Janet did not need to be entertained. She would find a way to be involved with what was going on or in some way help during her stay.
Janet loved her home in St. Clair and her independence. With the sudden passing of her husband Joseph in 1992 she continued to live in her home on Carney Drive. Her ability to adapt and pivot was the hallmark of her life. She cared for the house and grounds by herself or found a way to get things done. She would plant flowers and keep a small garden going. When her macular degeneration forced her to quit driving, she adapted. Janet was often seen using her three wheeled bicycle to go to Neiman’s Market or to visit friends. When she could no longer read, Janet would get books on tape. When she could no longer see the computer screen, she was able to use a voice activated computer. When she could no longer see the pegs on the cribbage board, she used poker chips or pennies to keep track of the score. She never lost her humanity or sense of wonder and joy for life. Janet could find something positive in just about any situation.
At the age of 92 Janet faced one of her biggest challenges. While caring for her home she fell in the driveway, breaking her hip. Through all the pain and struggle, Janet continued her life. She would set short term and long-term goals to get better. Janet had multiple surgeries and stints in rehab to try and walk again. Her determination led her to be able walk with a walker, but now she was not able to live on her own and would have to use a wheelchair for most of her movements.
Again, adapt and overcome. Following her rehab in St. Clair, Janet moved to American House assisted living home in Charlevoix Michigan. It was here she continued her active lifestyle. Janet would participate in whatever activities were offered to her. She joined the choir, played bingo, and even taught residents how to play cribbage. With her ever-present smile she quickly became one of the favorite residences of American house.
Janet was the last surviving member of her immediate family that included her brother John Bell and Sister Lois Stubbs Simmons. Her Husband Joseph passed away suddenly in 1992. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Betty and William Wadland of Charlevoix, MI. Bonnie and Adrian Snyder of Greenville, NC, Julia and George Sheele of Grand Haven, MI, Joseph, and Suzanne Denomy, of Rowlett, TX and Thomas and Patricia Denomy of Carrollton, TX. She was blessed with twelve grandchildren and nineteen great grandchildren.
A Memorial service honoring Janet’s life is planned for Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home, 4061 St Clair Hwy, East China, MI 48054, followed by her internment at St. Mary’s Cemetery, 3039 Rattle Run Rd. St. Clair, Michigan. Visiting hours are 10:00 to 11:00 AM prior to service.
In lieu of flowers the family asks you to support the two charity organizations that meant so much to both Janet and Joseph.
Blue Water Hospice & Visiting Nurses Association
3401 Lapeer Road Suite B101
Port Huron, MI 48060
Website: www.vnabwh.org
Friends of the St. Clair River
Eddy Community Center
301 N. Ninth Street, Suite 15
St. Clair, MI 48079
Website: www.scriver.org
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