Janice Macksood

Janice Macksood, age 87, of Lake Fenton, passed away on October 3, 2026.

Janice's Memorial Mass will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, October 19, 2026 at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland, celebrant. Visitation 10:00 am until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Memorial contributions in Janice's memory would be appreciated to St. John The Evangelist Catholic School 514 Lincoln St, Fenton or to St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Janice was born on December 24, 1938, in Flint, Michigan, to Louis and Nimrie Macksood.

Janice graduated from Flint Northern High School while also completing cosmetology school. She began her career as a hairdresser in the mid-1950s at the Coiffure Shop, a popular upscale beauty salon in downtown Flint. It was the perfect career for Janice, a natural people person who was never short on conversation. Later, she worked as a cashier at Meijer, where loyal customers would wait in her line for the opportunity to say hello.

Janice was previously married to the late Bill Howchin, the father of her children, with whom she moved from Flint to Lake Fenton more than 60 years ago. As Margaret Drive’s longest-standing resident, she held the honor of “Matriarch of Margaret Drive.” She loved her neighbors and friends and took a sincere interest in getting to know everyone she met.

Janice’s passion was family-first, last, and always. Her greatest joy was her children, her grandchildren, and, during the last two years, her great-grandchildren. She was lovingly known as “Sito,” Lebanese for grandmother. Janice showed her love by being there. She was at every event in which her children or grandchildren participated and became well known in the stands, simply as Sito, at both Catholic Central and Powers High Schools.

Her love extended to her broader family and many lifelong friends. She cherished time with them at parties, dancing, sharing dinners with her children and grandchildren, taking boat rides on Lake Fenton, and giving free haircuts to her nieces and nephews. Remarkably, she kept up with each person’s successes and challenges and never failed to follow up with them individually. If Janice loved you, and she loved many, you knew it. That was her great gift.

Janice loved life. Even as her health declined, she remained strong in her faith and her love for others. To the end, she was full of hope and love.

She is survived by her children, Lorie (Tom), Lisa (Joseph), and Jeff; her grandchildren, Trent Wismer (Morgan) and Lindsey Dawrant (Kevin); and her great-grandchildren, Janie Dawrant, Hudson Wismer, and Henry Dawrant. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Ramsdell (Dick), her brother, Tom Macksood (Holly), her bonus family, The Giestings, and dozens of nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

The family is deeply grateful to all of Janice’s caregivers and hospice nurses for their kindness and care. A very special thank-you goes to Izzy and Angie, whose extraordinary dedication meant so much to Janice and her family. They held a special place in her heart.