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MARQUETTE, MI – Janell J. Heslip, 82, of Marquette, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, September 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family and under the compassionate care of the Marquette County Medical Care Facility.
Janell was born May 13, 1944, in Marquette and was raised along the shores of Lake Superior- the place she deeply cherished and lovingly called home throughout her life. She leaves a legacy as enduring as the shores of her beloved Presque Isle.
Janell was united in marriage to Tom Heslip on August 18, 1965. Together they shared 61 years of marriage. As Tom began his career with the Michigan State Police, they relocated to Jackson and then to Petoskey, MI, where they began their family. Janell would tell you that she couldn't wait to get back "home" to the Queen City of the North. Her wish came true when Tom transferred to the Michigan State Police Crime Lab in 1980 and they moved their family back to Marquette.
You could find Janell walking or ebiking around Presque Isle, searching for beach glass with her grandchildren, feeding the geese, or having a morning coffee at Sunset Point.
Janell's family roots hold much history in Marquette as her grandfather was the Keeper of the Marquette Lighthouse, a place she would visit often. Her bench is perfectly situated along the shores of Lake Superior where you can find "There Is No Place Like Home" engraved.
Janell was fun, witty, loyal, generous, energetic, and so compassionate to everyone she met. She was a caregiver. She was employed at Marquette General Hospital where she worked in the Hemodialysis Unit and later in the Operating Room. She was so proud to be part of MGH that after her retirement she served as a volunteer for many years.
Her spirit will ride with the waves of Lake Superior forevermore and will be held in the hearts of all that knew and loved her, which was many!
Janell is survived by her husband, Tom Heslip; son, Doug (Patty) Heslip; daughters, Carole (Mike) Touchinski, and Michelle (Steve) Verbridge. Her grandchildren, who were the apple of her eye, Rick Touchinski, Baron and Marlee Heslip, and Michael Verbridge; one sister, Dorothy (Bob) Pappas. Janell was preceded in death by her mother, Winifred Mahan, her brother, Larry Mahan, granddaughter, Nikki Touchinski and special friends, Harold Kellen and Trudy Beard.
Janell's family will greet relatives and friends on Friday, October 2, 2026 at Fassbender Hansen Funeral Home starting at 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the funeral home at 4 p.m. with Msgr. Jed Patrick officiating. A light luncheon will immediately follow the service in the funeral home reception room.
Janell's family would like to thank the staff at MCMCF for their wonderful compassionate care, Nurse Karen, and Dr. Kroll. To Chelsea and Tami, thank you for all the updates and making a tough time a little easier. To all of the CNA's that walked countless miles with Janell, thank you. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
To honor Jannie, please go for a walk along the shore of Lake Superior, explore one of the many trails and paths that are intertwined into Presque Isle, have a coffee at Sunset Point, or sit at her bench and take in the majestic view.
Fassbender Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where condolences may be expressed online at Fassbenderswansonhansen.com