Janet Gail Kessel, 73, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Munson Hospice House, after a short, but brutal battle with pancreatic cancer. Jan was born on June 30, 1951 in Bridgeport, MI to the late Frederick and Rose (Hnilica) Arndt. She graduated from Bridgeport High School in 1969. Eventually, she would meet David Knowlton Kessel and become the light of his life. After the two fell in love with each other, they were married on June 18, 1983 and enjoyed raising their two daughters, Raini and Erin, together in Saginaw, MI, where she resided until 2019. Her passion for antiques & collectibles resulted in a fine doll collection, as well as making her a rather savvy antique dealer. In addition to her charitable contributions, Jan also generously donated her time volunteering at Saginaw General Hospital for many years.

Jan was an undeniably remarkable woman whose presence could light up any room. A true domestic goddess, she turned the everyday into the extraordinary, whether through her culinary masterpieces or her creative, crafty endeavors— believing in the notion that "love is in the details." Her children remember how she made everything magical. Jan was the heart of every gathering, her laugh unmistakable and her energy infectious. She was the "keeper of the flame," always ensuring warmth and joy for those around her, and was — undoubtedly— the life of any party… not to mention, usually the last one standing, whether on the salty sands of Siesta Key, Florida or the freshwater shores of Higgins Lake, Michigan.

A little bit of a rebel at heart, Jan was a progressive thinker, never afraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believed in. Though her love was fierce and boundless, it was no secret that her only final grievance was with Trump, and she was incredibly disappointed that she would miss celebrating the election of the first woman POTUS. She was true blue through and through. Otherwise, she embraced her family, friends and the world around her with all of her heart. Everyone she met along her journey has felt her impact.

Jan was a self-proclaimed and passionate "hunter & gatherer" who delighted in finding curious oddities and hidden treasures— not just in nature, but at art fairs, thrift stores & antique shops. A true "parrot head" & avid Jimmy Buffett enthusiast, she embodied the free-spirited, laid-back vibe of his music. "Breathe in, breathe out, move on" was a motto she often reminded us to follow. Jan was a hippie at heart, but also a "sol, sole, soul sister" in spirit to her best of friends. One of her cherished titles was, of course, "Mom," but her most treasured was "ChaCha," a title to which she was affectionately referred by her grandchildren. She loved her family fiercely, and was equally adored by them. Indeed, it was her greatest regret that she would miss out on all the memories she had yet to make with them.

Jan's spirit was one of adventure & love, as she became quite a world traveler later in life. From riding camels in the Moroccan desert to spelunking in the caves of the Agores, Portugal, Jan continued to add depth and breadth to her journey on Earth, and her loss leaves a void that can never be filled. She will be remembered as much by her classy elegance, as she will by her deep understanding for our interconnectedness in the universe & her respect for all living things.

She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, all who loved her, and all whom were loved by her.

She is survived by her daughters & grandchildren, Raini and Riva Kessel of Traverse City, MI; Erin (David) and Eden, Isaac "Ike," Iris & Willa Beattie of Centennial, CO; nephew and nieces, Ryan Arndt, Kristin (Mike) Onan, Ashley Arndt; so many loving family members including in-laws & cousins, amazing friends all over, and many special neighbors.

Jan is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Dave, and her brothers, Richard and Randy.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held at 11am on Saturday, August 31, 2024 in the tranquil gardens and nature at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:30 and a luncheon will follow at the Hotel Indigo rooftop. Memorial contributions in Jan's honor can be directed to the Harris-Walz Campaign at kamalaharris.com or the Pancreatic Cancer Association Network at pancan.org. Kindly share special memories with Jan's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com ( http://www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com/ )