Janice Catherine West

Janice Catherine (Bell) West, formerly Devereaux May 11, 1935 – September 7, 2025 Janice Catherine (Bell) West, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, Aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 7th, in Novi, Michigan, at the age of 90. Born on May 11, 1935, in Detroit, Jan was the youngest daughter of Harry G. Bell and Beatrice M. Bell (née Donovan). She grew up in beautiful Rosedale Park, alongside her older sister Donna and her family’s grouchy bulldog, Cappy. As a young child, Janice faced a life-threatening illness with suspected leukemia. Through the prayers of many and a blessing from Blessed Solanus Casey, she experienced a miraculous recovery which left a lasting imprint on her faith and life. Janice attended Immaculata High School in Detroit, where her classmates fondly nicknamed her the “Bell of the Ball.” Before her marriage, she traveled cross-country by train with her Aunt Alice and Uncle Parker - a trip she often looked back upon as one of her favorite life experiences with two of her favorite people. In 1957, Jan married Philip J. Devereaux, and together, between 1958 and 1962, they welcomed their four children: Joseph, Stephen (Caroline Tabone), Mary (Charles Carpenter), and Margaret. In 1987, she married “Ray” (Raymond) West, the love of her life, with whom she shared many joyful years, golfing at Oakland Hills Country Club and in Florida, traveling, spending time with family and with their beloved black lab - Daisy West. Jan adored Ray’s family - his two sons, Chuck (Cindy) and Gordy and their children. Jan was a woman of many passions. She loved tennis and played for over 35 years, forging lifelong friendships on and oﬀ the court. She was an avid reader of books and devoured the New York Times, cover to cover, daily. She loved movies, the arts, fashion, home decor and most of all, family. She was a gifted storyteller, imparting life lessons and laughter to her family through her vivid and memorable tales. A devoted and loving mother, Janice poured her heart into raising her children and creating a warm home. She was immensely proud of her six grandchildren—Lauren (Brenden) Gilbert and Conor Devereaux, Amelia (Tom) Sargent and Hank Carpenter, Olivia (Ryan) Lambright and Mia Flynn—as well as her five great-grandchildren - Hayes, Jack, Phoebe, Raegan, and Stevie. To them, she was “Grammy,” a source of unconditional love, encouragement, and fun. She also held a special place in the lives of her sister’s family - the Kenedys. Jan was adored by and aﬀectionately called “Aunt Janny” by Diane, Suzy, Patrick, Michael, and Anne. Janice was known for her beauty, radiant smile, sense of humor, honesty, kindness, and her ability to form genuine connections with everyone she met. She embraced life fully—whether on the tennis court, at a dinner table with friends, or laughing with her loved ones. Even as she battled dementia in her later years, her strength, warmth, and spirit remained an inspiration to all who loved her. She is survived by her children, step children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, dozens of nieces and nephews, extended family members and countless friends. Jan was predeceased by her husband Ray, her parents Bea and Harry, sister Donna and brother-in-law, Frank. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janice’s honor to the Solanus Casey Center in Detroit or the Dementia Society of America. She will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan. Janice’s life was a testament to resilience, joy, and love. She will be deeply missed, and her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched.

Janice Catherine West

May 11, 1935 - September 7, 2025