Janet Perkins, age 93, of Wayland, died Saturday, Jan. 27.

Janet, a longtime member of the United Church of Wayland, loved spending time with her family and making memories at the family cottage. She cherished time spent with her grandkids. Janet also frequently vacationed with her sisters at the cabin on the Tahquamenon River. She had the gift of hospitality and could make anyone feel welcome.

She is survived by her children, Sandra (Henry) VanderMaas, Bonnie (LaVerne) Berghorst, Scott (Mary) Chestnut, Jan (Matthew) Gilbert; grandchildren, Andrew (Lisa) VanderMaas, Sheri Stora, Keith (Carrie Crittendon) Berghorst, Robert (Ashley) Swainston, John (Kristi) VanderMaas, Deanne (Jarrod) Berends, Grant Chestnut, William-Douglas (Delene) Todd, David Todd; 21 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, sister, Lorna Douglas and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Donald Chestnut, her second husband Leon Perkins; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Opal (Kenneth) Hendrixson, Dorothy (Vern) McCormick, Roger Douglas and her parents, Clifford and Cecile Averill.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home – Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th St., with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetery.

In honor of Janet and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Post your comment

Discover more from

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading