Janice Josephine Oleszczak

Janice Josephine Oleszczak (née Savitskie), age 72, of Highland, Michigan passed away peacefully, comforted and surrounded by her family, on February 27, 2024 after a heroic three year battle with ovarian cancer.

Jan was born on September 27, 1951 in Detroit, Michigan and attended Cody High School, graduating in 1969. A naturally gifted caregiver, Jan pursued a career in healthcare and quickly found her calling as a Respiratory Therapist. Over her 50+ year career between St. John Providence Southfield and DMC Huron Valley-Siani Hospitals, she touched, improved, and saved countless lives all while having a particular calling in taking care of newborns and children. Jan was the recipient of the 2015 PHIL Award; a designation awarded annually on the basis of professional excellence and compassion in the education and care of patients with pulmonary illnesses. Jan’s work was so important to her that she continued to serve her community during the Covid-19 pandemic while working strenuous hours throughout, including the very first case reported at DMC Huron Valley-Siani Hospital, even though she was eligible for retirement years earlier. Jan dedicated her entire life to serving others; spreading love, compassion, kindness, and selflessness everywhere she ventured.

Outside of work, Jan maintained a love for travel and the outdoors, especially to tropical locations – her favorite being the Cayman Islands. An avid scuba diver throughout her life, she logged hundreds of hours exploring the depths of the sea and all the life to be found therein. She had a special affinity for country music and would routinely be found enjoying a glass of Cabernet on her deck during beautiful days throughout the years. Jan loved all animals, especially dogs (of which she had many), and enthusiastically welcomed family, friends, and visitors to her home at all hours of the day while always encouraging strong appetites. She was a devout Catholic, participating routinely in Mass at Church of the Holy Spirit in Highland and St. Mary Our Lady of the Snows in Milford, and she visited many Holy places including Medjugorje and Vatican City. She attended Adoration frequently and found great peace and resilience through her faith.

More than anything, Jan’s selflessness for everyone she met and immense love for her family and friends shined through as the pinnacle traits of her personality. She fulfilled and succeeded at her most primary life purpose in being an exceptionally loving and gifted mother; a role she cherished and embraced every single day. Her infectious laugh, unmatched strength, and overwhelming positivity were testaments to her love of life and all those she encountered. She will be severely missed and oft thought of by the innumerable loved ones she leaves behind. Jan will live on forever in our hearts and minds through the joy, compassion, and love she brought to us all.

Jan is survived by her son, Joshua (Brittany) Oleszczak; expected grandson due in June 2024; brothers Allen, Stephen, and Charles (Patti) Savitskie; nephew Douglas (Julie); and nieces Jennifer, Heather, and Dawn Savitskie along with many extended family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alexander and Mary Savitskie; her sisters-in-law Pat and Linda Savitskie; her nephew and godson Christopher Savitskie; and her eldest son Steven Oleszczak.

A celebration of Jan’s life is planned for September 7, 2024 in her own backyard - one of Jan's favorite places. In lieu of flowers and should memorials be made in her name, Jan personally requested that any such gift be submitted to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital because no child or family deserves to battle challenging diseases so early in life.