Jane C. Cheney died peacefully at home on July 11, 2018 in Gaylord, Michigan at the age of 90, just a few weeks after the passing of her loving husband of 71 years, Howard Cheney. Jane is survived by her children; Craig (Susan) of Lapeer, Jan King of Gaylord and Scott (Connie) of Gaylord. Grandchildren Eric (Kami) Pierce, Jeremy (Margaret) Pierce, Heather (Brian) Heitman, Justin (Stephanie) King and Steven King. Great grandchildren Marley and Jane King, Connor, Bryn, Catelyn, Emily and Megan Pierce and Scarlett Heitman. Jane was preceded in death by her husband Howard Cheney, son-in-law Richard King of Gaylord and sister and brother-in-law Ken and Betty Kalina of Chicago.
Jane was born on August 18, 1927 in Marquette, Michigan, where she was delivered by her grandfather, Frederick McDonnel Harkin, M.D. , one of the founders of Marquette City Hospital. Jane graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw, Michigan and also attended Michigan State University.
Jane married the love of her life, Howard, on March 1, 1947 in Chicago, shortly after the end of WWII. Jane and Howard spent their working life in Chicago and Southeast Michigan and moved to the Gaylord area in 1983 to enjoy their retirement years. Jane and Howard both embraced a real spirit for volunteerism, participating in many local service organizations. Jane enjoyed music (particularly piano and big bands), reading books and newspapers (loved Mitch Albom), bird watching, crossword puzzles, cribbage and pinochle. She was also an accomplished newspaper copy editor and enjoyed working at the Otsego County Library. Jane loved spending precious moments with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jane’s memorial will include visitation at Nelson’s Funeral Home on Saturday, July 21 starting at 10:00 am with a memorial service at 1:00 pm. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jane’s life. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.
10 comments on “Jane C. Cheney”
Dear Cheney Family,
We were so sorry to hear that Aunt Jane had passed. All I can think of is that they were 2 peas in a pod and shouldn’t be separated long and they weren’t. Wonderful people, kind, caring, loving, and you were blessed with them for a long life. They got to see your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Their memories live on with you and your family. So tough but it is all in God’s plan and we know they are enjoying each other without skipping a beat. We have a vacation planned and are leaving next Wednesday so unfortunately we won’t be able to attend the service. You are in our prayers as you go through these next months. It is such an adjustment when you will want to talk, tell them something, pick up the phone or visit and they are not there but you will see them again and that is always something to look forward to when we leave this world. God bless you all. We need to keep in touch.
Love, Pam & Tom Jacques & family
Deepest condolences to the Cheney family and friends for the loss of your loved one.
Dear Family….Jane and Howard were very dear and special neighbors who will be missed so much. Deepest sympathy to you all. Darren and Cathy Huegel.
While it is never easy losing a parent and so devastating to lose both in such a short span, it is fitting that these two are together again. My condolences to your family and thank you for sharing your wonderful parents with the Gaylord community for so many years. They were both such treasures.
Sending love and hugs!
Jane and Howard were a beacon of light in the lives of many people. Their dedication to volunteerism was an inspiration to many in Otsego County. They will be greatly missed but remembered with fond memories.
Our Family truly loved Mr & Mrs Cheney
So sweet, kind, loving, caring
We were blessed to have known them!
Our prayers and condolences are with their family at this difficult time
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother.
Jane Cheney was my great-grandmother, I love her dearly and wish I got to know her better in a state of clearer mind and for her to see the man I became even if non-traditional. I like to think she would have understood my change of identity.
Lots of love, Wallace Harkin King
Dear great grandma, I still think about you daily, but not in a mourning way but a remembrance of who you were. I am legally a man now fully registered despite my anatomy and I wish you got to see me. I’m almost 17 now and have a lady. Marley has a job and is doing great as an older brother with a beautiful girlfriend. Jane king is just a distant memory of the past but in your honor despite becoming a man on my hatching, I’ve started painting the birds. You always loved chickadees and nuthatches and whenever I see them I think of you. You always looked so happy when they came and ate from the bird feeder nor would you bat an eye when I found a bug that I was interested in. Thank you great nonny. I miss you, and because of you I have started dedicating my life to birds and bugs and all the animals in between so I can show kids and people of any age the beauty that is our planet. Among the stars, you rest now with Howard, Love Wallace