Janet E. Biberdorf, of Chelsea, previously of Plymouth, Michigan, age 80, died Thursday, September 22, 2022, peacefully in her sleep. She was born January 3, 1942 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, the daughter of the late Hazen and Elinor (Ross) Nauss.
Jan was raised in Nova Scotia and Ontario, Canada and was a proud Canadian. She obtained her BS in Nursing from the University of Toronto. It was in Toronto that she met Donald “Don” Biberdorf, whom she later married and moved with to Michigan to begin their life together. Jan worked as a hospital and private practice pediatric nurse prior to becoming pregnant with her twin daughters. When her girls were older, she resumed her career and found her calling as a hospice nurse. She served first with Hospice of Southeastern Michigan and later with Angela Hospice in Livonia, from which she retired as a nurse case manager. After she retired, she enjoyed volunteering for FISH in Plymouth.
When describing Jan, people used words such as smart, funny, wise, spitfire, determined, giving, caring, and compassionate. Even when her girls were young, Jan used to jokingly refer to herself as “Bitch Biberdorf.” She was a remarkable example to her girls of a strong and caring woman, who put her family and God first, was not afraid to be herself, speak her mind, and stand up for others. She was always willing to lend a hand or an ear.
Jan was predeceased by her husband Don and brother John Nauss. Surviving are her daughters Ann (Tim) Smith of Ypsilanti, MI and Lynn Carter of Kirksville, MO; her sister Kathy (Dennis) Simbirski of Sherwood Park, Alberta; sister-in-law Esperanza Nauss of Brentwood, CA; cousin Jennifer (Nick) Mason of Toronto; in-laws: Roy and Valerie Biberdorf of Maryville, TN, Carol Biberdorf of Florissant, MO, Joan Nenow of Salisbury, NC, and Allen and Marilyn Hellewege of Valparaiso, IN; and her beloved grandchildren Ethan Smith and Nolon (Sadie) Carter and Rosemarie Carter.
The family gratefully acknowledges the love and care provided by the staff of Silver Maples. Nine years ago, Jan was on hospice care and her family was told the end was imminent. Jan rallied and was moved from the independent living apartment she shared with Don to assisted living, still in Silver Maples. While the family cherished this extra time with Jan, no one expected to be gifted another nine years. We will be eternally grateful to the staff at Silver Maples whose loving care helped provide us this precious gift of time.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 22, 2022 at the Ypsilanti Marriott, 1275 S. Huron St. Ypsilanti, MI 48197. A luncheon will follow. To help with planning, please text or call 734-480-7216 with the number of people attending and any dietary restrictions by October 16th.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Silver Maples Resident Council Employee Appreciation Fund.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
