Janice Fortier

Janice Marie Fortier, 77, of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully July 6, 2020 at home in Grand Forks, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s, with family at her side. Janice was born February 11, 1943 in Crookston, MN, the youngest of seven children and youngest daughter to Agnes and Armedous Genereux. Janice graduated high school from St. Joseph’s Academy in 1961.

Through Janice’s sister Carolyn and brother-in-law Larry, Janice met Ron. They married in a Saturday morning Catholic Mass on August 9, 1962 in Brooks, MN. Shortly after being married, they moved to Seattle, WA. After two years they moved to Grand Forks, welcoming their four children (Neil, Janelle, Connie and Paul).  Grand Forks was their home until 1995 when they moved to their lake home that they built on Potato Lake (Park Rapids), MN and then closer to Park Rapids in 2005.  In 2009 they moved back to Grand Forks to be closer to family and medical facilities.

In addition to raising her family, Janice was a scrupulous housekeeper; she enjoyed her weekly bowling league, working as a secretary for family business; providing daycare for her grandchildren; loved going to the casinos; collecting Precious Moments and bears.

Janice is survived by her husband of 57 years, Ronald; her three children: Neil (Dianne) of Albany, MN; Connie (Scott) of Grand Forks, ND; Paul (Amie) of Fargo, ND; and nine grandchildren: Tina Bakeberg, John (Ashley) Kelly, Bryan Kelly, Jeremy (Kristin) Palmiscno, Jacob Palmiscno, Paige Fortier, Carter Fortier, Alisha Hartmann, Brandon Hartmann; Janice also has eight great grandchildren: MacKenzie, Jaxson, Taryn, Aubrey, Lucas, Connor, Landon, and Adalynn. Janice is also survived by three of her siblings: Luella Liychik, Coon Rapids, MN, Marcie (Pete) Kaiser, Centennial, CO, Yvonne Nelson, Grand Forks, ND.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Janelle; brother Gilbert, sisters Carolyn and Arlene.

The family would like to thank Home Care Companions and Hospice Red River Valley who took such loving and thoughtful care of Janice, especially during these past 2 ½ years while she was at home.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 11am on July 10, 2020 at Holy Family Catholic Church, with visitation beginning at 10 am. Extended family and friends welcome. Due to COVID-19 recommendations, the family asks for those that will be in attendance to wear a face covering and practice social distancing. Diocese guidelines allows 50% capacity in the church. Burial will be at Calvary South Cemetery, South of Grand Forks, ND.
In lieu of flowers, at the family’s request, memorials can be sent to Holy Family St. Mary’s School, 1001 17th Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201 and Hospice Red River Valley, 1701 38th St. S, Suite 101, Fargo ND, 58103.

To view a recording of the service please use this link: https://youtu.be/WlWgrZ_9sUY