Obituary of Jane Phoenix

Jane Alice Venzke was born in Monroe, Michigan on November 22, 1952. She was the only child born from the union of the late Howard Venzke and the late Helen (Roggelin) Venzke. Jane attended the Boyd School for kindergarten and completed grade school at Trinity Lutheran where she had been baptized and confirmed. She graduated from Monroe High School with the Class of 1970. Jane married Gary Poupard and from this union came the birth of two daughters: Lee and Eva. She worked as a cashier at K-Mart for five years. She would marry James Phoenix on April 21, 1989 in Monroe and became a homemaker. Jane was an immaculate housekeeper and was said that she might be a little OCD. When James became ill in 2003, Janie went back to work and since 2004 had been employed as a Cashier, Clerk, and Sorter at Goodwill. Janie was a devoted Christian a God fearing woman. She was passionate about all animals and had even cared for a field mouse for nine years. Janie was especially fond of her family and her grandchildren. She enjoyed gabbing and texting on the phone, but cherished get-togethers the best always hosting holidays and cooking a big meal on Thanksgiving. Planning picnics, playing in the park, having sleepovers, and attending school functions were also favorite activities, Jane had with the grandchildren. Janie, age 60 of Monroe, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2013. Her passing was preceded by her father in 1982 and her mother in 1995. Her memory will be forever cherished by her husband of twenty-four years: James; two daughters: Lee (Corey) Smith and Eva Poupard (Alif Joshua); ten grandchildren: Adrienne, Tate, Jordany, Yadira, Alexis, Ashley, Jaden, Jordan, Faith, and Brooke; aunts: Dorothy Stahl and Patricia McKenzie; and numerous cousins including: Margaret (Kevin) Hale. Friends may gather from 1:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until funeral services at 11:00am on Thursday, September 19, 2013 at Trinity Lutheran Church,323 Scott Street with Pastor Jeffrey Heimsoth officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial. Memorials for those who desire are suggested to the Monroe County Humane Society or Trinity Lutheran School. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.