Jan Chema

Jan Chema Janet Marilyn (Wittbrodt) Chema of Foley, Alabama January 16, 1939 – November 6, 2023 (Previously a resident of Michigan) Wife, Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Friend Janet was born in Flint, Michigan to James and Helen Wittbrodt. She was the middle child of five children: Jim (deceased), Ellie (deceased), Hal, Richie. She was a 1956 graduate of St. John Vianney Catholic High School in Flint, Michigan. At 20 years old, Jan met the love of her life, Ronald Chema. They were both members of the Newman Club, a Catholic Social Club for college students, and had attended a breakfast, where they “happened” to sit next to each other. (Unbeknownst to Jan, Ron had spotted her and thought she was so beautiful he wanted to meet her. He asked people to save the seat beside her so he could sit there.) They began dating after that special breakfast. They dated for nearly two years and enjoyed going to many, many dances. Additionally, they attended the theater and Jan’s Beta Sigma Phi Sorority activities. They married in 1960, and were married for 63 years. Before having children and becoming a Stay-At-Home-Mom, Jan worked for the Bill Lamb Record Shop as a secretary and commercial singer in Flint, Michigan. Later, she worked at General Motors Parts and Service in Swartz Creek, Michigan as a key puncher. Jan returned to the workforce as a Kelly Temp when her kids were in high school and college. Ron and Jan have three children. Debbie Pierce (Stu), Diane Chema (Denise), Denny Chema (Michele). They are a close-knit family. Together they traveled on family vacations and spent 34 wonderful years at their summer home on Bass Lake in Hale, Michigan. Jan and Ron first retired to their Bass Lake summer home, spending six months “Up North” and six months in Gulf Shores, Alabama, where they were founding members of The FOPs (Friendly Old People) activity group. In 2016 they retired fulltime to Foley, Alabama. Jan was a member of the Glen Lakes Golf Club where she enjoyed playing golf and dominoes. She was a member of the South Alabama Travel Club and traveled with Ron on many bus trips and adventures. Jan loved going to concerts, plays and theater. She also loved playing euchre, TOC and card games with family and friends. Although Jan enjoyed her activities, her favorite role was being a Grandma and a Great-Grandma. She was lovingly known as Grams and HaHa to Matt, Kristi and Ryan Pierce and Tyler Chema. And, was ecstatic to become a Great-Grandma (HaHa) to Olivia Lemmermen. Jan’s Catholic Faith remained a very important part of her life until the very end. She prayed daily and was a member of St. Margaret of Scotland Catholic Parish of Foley, Alabama. She continued receiving Holy Communion while she was ill, and recently received The Sacrament of Last Rites. We couldn’t have asked for a better WIFE, MOM, GRANDMA, GREAT-GRANDMA, SISTER, AUNT AND FRIEND. We will miss her dearly and will continue to keep her memory alive in our hearts. The immediate family will have a Celebration of Life in Michigan at a later date.

Jan Chema

November 6, 2023

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Jan Chema

November 6, 2023

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Obituary Notification