Janis Draper

On December 22, 2021, Janis Louise Draper died suddenly of natural causes, in Rogers City. All who knew her lost a sweet and kind person.

Janis was born June 30, 1945, in Alpena. Due to a birth trauma she lived with a mental disability and later in life, mental illness. Neither of these challenges dimmed her joy for life or her delight in others. For those who took the time to get to know her, she radiated thanks for their friendship and kindness. Her job in life was to try to humanize the rest of us. That was difficult work, but she did it without complaint.

Janis received a certificate of completion from Rogers City High School. Afterward, for many years she lived in Alpena, first with her grandmother, Goldie Randall, and then in supportive housing in the area. She enjoyed being with others and loved doing art projects, especially coloring pictures and beading necklaces, which she sent to friends and family.

Janis is the daughter of Betty Whiteley and the late Robert C. Draper, and stepdaughter of the late Harry Whiteley. In addition to her mother, she is survived by her sister, Barbara Draper of Minneapolis; brothers Robert R. (Barbie) Draper of Framingham, Mass. and Jere (Wendy) Whiteley of Douglas, Mich.; nephew Joseph Martin; nieces Kate Martin (Rick Dallmeyer), and Ellen Martin, Sara Whiteley, and Christine Whiteley; and grandnieces Cecile and Julia Dallmeyer.

Many thanks to all who made her life a little nicer, including those at Northeast Michigan Community Mental Health, Light of Hope Clubhouse in Alpena, Colleen Deletka of Posen CareHome, the many kind caregivers at Medilodge of Rogers City, and many others.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Westminster Presbyterian Church with visiting from 1:30 p.m. through time of her memorial at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Dr. Greg and Reverend Karen Zurakowski officiating.

Inurnment will take place in the Hoeft/Whiteley Mausoleum at Memorial Park Cemetery.