Janet Lynn Mickels

Janet Lynn (Radecki) Mickels 84, formerly of Indian Harbour Beach, FL died September 19, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Jan was born in South Bend, IN and could not escape it fast enough due to the "bitter cold" winters. She most recently enjoyed living in Florida with her oldest and dearest friend, Beth Jacks, and many summers were spent traveling to North Carolina and Indiana to see her children and grandchildren. She graduated from SB Central High School in 1956 and was an Amigo Club member. She spent time in her 20s and 30s in the fashion industry both for Saks Fifth Avenue's Executive Training Program and as a buyer for Robertson's Department Store. She returned to IUSB in her 40s to receive her Bachelor’s Degree, and spent the majority of her career as a Tax Accountant and Corporate Controller. She was one of the first female members of both the SB and Raleigh Kiwanis Club chapters. In her retirement she volunteered in the ICU at a local Florida hospital, as a Guardian ad Litem, and at the Saint Vincent DePaul food pantry. Jan LOVED sunshine and being on the water, Caribbean travel, cruises (before Covid), slot machines, a nice ham on sale, portioning her leftover food into incrementally smaller sized Tupperware, Scrabble (when she won), Wordle, Coca-Cola, clothes (back when she had a waist), and her family-though not in that order. Although she was a master at trading stocks, the 10-key, and word games, Jan will be remembered mostly for her sharp wit and as a loving and attentive mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend. Surviving are her children, Joseph Jude Mickels, Melinda (Mindy) Evans, and Craig Mickels who all adored her. Also surviving are her two daughters-in-law, Beth and Adrienne; and son-in-law Robbie, who all felt they hit the lottery in the mother-in-law department. Her surviving siblings are two sisters, Barbara Chmiel of Fort Wayne, IN and Ruth Wilson of Spring, TX; a brother, Rick (Eileen) Radecki of Pompano Beach, FL; and many loving nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Ralph Radecki; and parents, Casimer and Monica Radecki, all of South Bend. Grandchildren: Emily(23), Daniel(20), Michael(20), Molly(15), Madison(12), Conley(12), and Hudson(9) will mourn their Granny Janny (GJ)'s death for years to come. Thankfully, she was forced by her children to complete the answers to 26 essay questions that have formed her memoir. Her book Stories that Amuse Or You Might Use is a tribute to her amazing life, her deep spirituality and overcoming obstacles, and for her grandchildren to reference when wondering W.W.J.D (What Would Jan Do?). An excerpt reminds them to "Promise me to know your worth, keep your hopes, live with happiness, and think of me and smile." A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Basilica on Notre Dame's campus on Friday, October 7th at 3:30pm . In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the philanthropic organization of the donor’s choice. To send private condolences, please visit: http://www.mcgannhay.com/condolences.html