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Janine Marie (Niemi) Barrett, age 67 of Baraga, MI passed away Tuesday, October 15, 2024 after a courageous yearlong battle with cancer. She was born in Laurium, MI on July 14, 1957 the daughter of the late Fred and Barbara (Rovano) Niemi. Growing up in Eagle River and Mohawk, she attended school in Mohawk and graduated from Calumet High School in 1975. She married Art Barrett, Jr on October 26, 1985 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ahmeek, MI. She had been employed as a manager of the Baraga Super 8 Hotel, worked at the Reliance Insurance Agency, L’Anse, and Homestead Graphics, Baraga before beginning her 14-year career as office manager at the L’Anse Sentinel. She retired due to her health issues in July of 2024. Janine was a member of St Ann’s Catholic Church, Baraga. She had always helped with baking and fish fries for the Knights of Columbus and other church functions. Janine had also been a member of Baraga County Convention & Visitors Bureau for over 25 years, and had been instrumental in starting the Baraga Friends of the Park. In 2009 Janine and her husband were camping at Baraga State Park, and felt that there was a need to help raise money for a new playground. The group was there to help at every event at the park, selling popcorn, ice cream, candy, and caramel apples. The group raised funds to help with Wi-Fi, bean bag toss and other items. Janine enjoyed many years of camping with family and friends and for the last several years hosting at Baraga State Park, trips to Texas to see family and spending time with family and friends.
Janine is survived by her loving husband Art Barrett of Baraga, children Jessica Barrett of Hancock, MI, Eric (Sandra) Barrett of Melissa Texas, and Jeremy (Julie) Barrett of L’Anse, grandchildren Jayden, Johnathan,
Logan, Jerry, Kara, Kylie, Mason and McKenna, sisters Barbara Ann (Steve) Vichich of Laurium, and Diane (Harold) Nakkula of Calumet, father-in-law Skip (Cindy) Barrett of Baraga, sister-in-law Tracey Barrett of Baraga and brother-in-law Bob Heikkinen of L’Anse. Numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews also survive. She was preceded in death by her parents, mother-in-law Lillian Barrett, sister-in-law Tammy Heikkinen and brother-in-law Dave Barrett.
“Janine’s heart was filled with gratitude for the countless family members and friends who provided home care and meals. The family would like to thank the Baraga County Home Care and Hospice for their compassionate care. She was especially thankful for her sisters, whose loving care and support were a great comfort to her in her final weeks.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Friday, October 25, 2024 at St Ann’s Catholic Church, Baraga with Father Jins Joseph and Fr Corey, celebrants. The family will receive friends at church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Immediately following Mass, the family invites friends to join them for fellowship and a luncheon in the church hall.
Janine’s obituary may also be viewed and condolences sent to the family at www.reidfuneralservicechapel.com
The Reid Funeral Service and Chapel, L’Anse has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
