Janice W. Butcher

Jan Butcher, age 76, of Michigan, passed away on April 11, 2026. Born in 1950, Jan was a woman of vibrant spirit and unwavering principle. She dedicated her professional life to education, spending most of her career as a beloved teacher at Upland Hills School in Oxford, Michigan. A mentor to many, Jan’s influence extended far beyond the classroom; she remained a cherished figure in the lives of her former students and colleagues long after her retirement. Her love of science and space inspired her students to reach for the stars and push themselves to achieve their goals. Jan’s heart belonged to the earth and her community. An active and passionate citizen, she was a fixture in local civic life, frequently volunteering at polling places during elections and proudly raising her voice at peaceful protests. Her Democratic pride and commitment to justice were matched only by her love for the natural world, which she spent her life honoring and protecting. Jan’s spirit was equally present at Lake Orion United Methodist Church. A dedicated member, she lent her voice to the church choir every week and served her congregation with a servant’s heart. Above all, Jan was the steadfast cornerstone of her family. She was a devoted mother to Allison (Michael) Brenner and Emily (Peter) Zabel. As a grandmother to Wesley, Eli, Jack, and Elle, Jan possessed a rare gift: she found a way to forge a unique and special bond with each of them, making every grandchild feel singularly loved and understood. She leaves behind a legacy of activism, education, and an immense capacity for love. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A celebration of Jan’s life will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 1 PM at Lake Orion United Methodist Church, 140 E. Flint Street, Lake Orion, MI 48362. Jan’s family wishes to honor her memory by supporting research into the rare cancer that took her life. In lieu of flowers, they kindly request that memorial contributions be made to The EHE Foundation at fightehe.org, to help fund the search for treatments and a cure for this one-in-a-million disease. Memorial contributions may also be made to: Upland Hills School at uplandhills.org, or to NPR at npr.org. Arrangements entrusted to Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, Plymouth. To share a memory, please use the “Share a Memory” tab on this webpage.

Janice W. Butcher

February 8, 1950 - April 11, 2026