Memories & Candles

“I remember Janet from our time together at Owens-Brockway glass manufacturing from around 1991-1999. She always had a smile and as my boss, treated...Read More »
1 of 9 | Posted by: Judy Johnson - Hayward, CA

“When we met Jan and Lou in California the kids(Cindy and her friend Jeff) thought we were going to love them to death and forever!.They were so right...Read More »
2 of 9 | Posted by: Charles Lovell and Barbara Lovell - CA

“Jan was a classy lady. When she entered a room, everyone would light up. She always had a smile and a warm greeting. She was truly loved and...Read More »
3 of 9 | Posted by: Onalee Hartman - St. Joseph, MI

“Cindy & Family, Unfortunately, we never had the good fortune of knowing your wonderful mother. Lisa and Mark were very fond of her and spoke of...Read More »
4 of 9 | Posted by: Pat & Gordon Cook - Bakersfield, CA

“Uncle Louie, Pam and Cindy: I just want you all to know that you have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! Aunt Janet was an...Read More »
5 of 9 | Posted by: Sheryl (Scalise) Garvin - NY

“My late husband, Joe, and I first met Janet and Lou through another couple with whom we were longtime friends. Janet and Lou were always upbeat,...Read More »
6 of 9 | Posted by: Zagorski Family - Fords, NJ

“Janet and her family came into our lives about 7 years ago. I feel peace within today. Janet taught me that infinite possibilities are born of faith...Read More »
7 of 9 | Posted by: Shirley Reichert - Benton Harbor, MI

“We only met Jan a few times over the years, but she always remember our names and greeted us as long lost friends . Such a wonderful gift! . Yes,...Read More »
8 of 9 | Posted by: Ken & Robin Halamka - MI

“I cleaned my kitchen yesterday. No, I mean, really cleaned. I did things I've never done before, and I felt this "force" propelling me to do more! I ...Read More »
9 of 9 | Posted by: Ruth Ryberg - SAINT JOSEPH


Janet Dobon Wilusz, 70, passed away January 14, 2012 at her home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 20, 2012 at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware, Benton Harbor, with Fr. William J. Jacobs, Jr. officiating. Friends may visit at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph on Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 7:30. Burial will be at a later date at St. Mary's Cemetery in Thompson PA. Memorials may be made to the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center or St. Mary's Cemetery through Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home. Those wishing to share a memory of Janet may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com.

Janet was born in 1941 to Peter & Stella (Kravetsky) Dobon in Newark, NJ. She grew up on a dairy farm in Thompson, PA and later moved to Rahway, NJ, where she graduated from Rahway High School. She married Lou Wilusz and for 49 years there was never a dull moment. After spending many years on the East Coast and in the San Francisco Bay Area, they relocated to St. Joseph in 2001. Janet broke through the glass ceiling at Exxon when she became one of the first female sales representatives in the early 1970's. She later went on to have a successful career in the glass industry. Janet enjoyed walking, travel, exercise, and a good glass of cabernet. She was a dedicated volunteer and board member at the St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Center.

Janet is survived by her husband, Lou; two daughters, Pam (Shea) Muller of Stevensville; and Cindy (Jeff) Lovell of California; and three grandchildren Abigail, Patrick, and Nolan Muller. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Peter Dobon, Jr.
She never met a stranger, only a friend.