Jean J. “Jan” Alrick

DeWitt, MI

Jean Joyce Alrick (Janie Belsito) died October 24, 2021 at age 86, comfortably and peacefully with her family by her side listening to mass.  The last several months of her life were hindered by dementia, but she never lost her need to be involved in everything, sense of humor and love for her family.  She knew us all and loved us until the angels escorted her home.

She was born July 29, 1935 in Lansing, MI to Joseph and Luiginia (Felice) Belsito.  She was the youngest of seven children.  She was the beloved wife of James Alrick, married for 63 years. Loving sister to her brother Sam (Jo) Belsito.  Devoted mother to Patti (David) Schiewe, James Alrick, Jean (Bret) Wegenke, Mary (Paul) Mills.  Cherished nana to Jessica (Shawn) Kolahi, Alicia Beardsley, Brandon (Taryn) Wegenke, Kailyn (Eric) Strickler, Hailey (Tog) Moyers, Sydney Mills and Kylor Mills.  Proud Great-Nana to Nora and Cali Wegenke and  Kai Kolahi. As well as many nieces and nephews that she adored.  She also grew to love all the dogs that our families have/had over the years.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Alrick, her siblings Amalia Tenuta, Mary (Wayne) Newton, Sr. Helen Belsito, Kate (Al) Bozzo, Phil (Doris) Belsito and her parents Joseph and Luiginia Belsito.

Our mom / nana prided herself on carrying on the Italian traditions of her parents, Joseph and Luiginia Belsito, who came here from Italy, with certain traditions and her Italian cooking and baking. She was one of the best cooks around. Her ability to simply whip up a meal for anyone who stopped by was amazing. In addition, she prepared multi-course meals for holidays and special occasions.  Friends and family always were so impressed with her food and never left hungry.  For example, our incredible Christmas Eve Dinners with cod fish, anchovy pasta, shrimp, and many salads was a feast we all looked forward to each year.  But it didn’t have to be a holiday, she did that for whoever wanted a meal.  Her fried chicken is hard to duplicate as well as her delicious meatloaf.  The Italian cookies she made were wonderful, and I know she was willing to share that talent with others so everyone could enjoy the tradition of the Italian cookies. She taught us that the comfort of cooking/baking was the best way to gather everyone together and this was the most important way to a great familia.

She had many undertakings in her life.  Most of them surround the support of where her children were.  For example, she piloted the spaghetti dinners at Eastern High School and for years furnished meals for the community with that fundraiser. It supported the athletics program, as well as, the band at Eastern High School and it was an event that everyone looked forward to. She had many volunteers that she managed and navigated around the kitchen and they came to attention when she spoke.   She also managed and ran the concession stands at the Eastern Field House for many years making sure all the components were working properly and that it was staffed.  It didn’t matter if it was a weekday basketball game or a full weekend state wrestling tournament, everything went smoothly when she was in charge.  In the last 10 years, she also began a little side business and started cooking meals for family and friends to help with their busy life schedules.  It was anything from pasta and meatballs, meatloaf to enchiladas to baked goods, whatever they needed she was happy to do for them. She truly enjoyed doing for others.  Her presence will certainly be missed, but her traditions will carry on.

The family wishes to send our sincere appreciation and thanks to all the staff at Gunnisonville Meadows Senior Assisted Living especially Robin and Pam. The love, care and support they gave our mom this past year was tremendous.  It was a huge help to know that we could trust the care and support she was receiving. In addition, we also would like to thank Careline Hospice staff and volunteers, especially her nurse Katie Haviland. The peace and comfort they gave all of us was so very appreciated.

Visitation will be held at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel, 325 W. Washtenaw St. in Lansing, MI on Sunday, October 31st from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, November 1st at 11:00 a.m. at the Catholic Community of St. Jude, 801 N. Bridge St., DeWitt, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Gunnisonville Meadows Senior Assisted Living, 1758 E. Clark Rd., Lansing, MI 48906.