Janice May Coty

Janice May Coty, 81, passed away on January 28, 2021 at Healthsource Saginaw. Janice was born in Chesaning on August 15, 1939, to Harry and Flaude (Harrau) Nietling. She graduated from Our Lady of Perpetual Help High School in 1957, attended Western Michigan University, and went back to college later in life to earn degrees in social work and sociology from Saginaw Valley State University. Janice and her husband, Robert Coty, raised five children in Chesaning, later moving to Saginaw, where she became involved in Tri-City Action for Peace and other social justice organizations. She spent many years protesting injustice and war, and was a tireless advocate for those in need. She was a longtime reading mentor with the Read Association of Saginaw County and tutored many SVSU students from South Korea and their families. Through that program she made lifelong friendships and was able to travel to South Korea to visit her dear friend Ok-ja Cho. Janice was very passionate about politics and social issues and believed strongly in treating people with empathy and dignity. She was a voracious reader, and talented pencil artist who enjoyed drawing for her grandchildren. Janice leaves behind five children, Carol (Aaron) Somers of Henderson, Sarah (Robert) Boling of Inverness, Florida, Leslie Coty of Detroit, John Coty and Brian Coty, both of Saginaw; grandchildren, Holli Goodrich, Jack and Lily Somers, and Stewart and Pierce Boling; great-granddaughter Aidabelle Midcalf; sister Betty Gewirtz and brother Jack Nietling; special nieces Terri Mayhew and Jane (Andy) Henige, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Robert Coty, her parents, siblings Yvonne Angst, Floyd Nietling, Don Nietling, Art Nietling, and Carole Mayhew, and a beloved granddaughter, Melissa Goodrich. Per Janice’s wishes, she has been cremated, with arrangements by Fischer Family Funeral Home. At a later date, when it is safe to gather, the family will hold a memorial service. In lieu of flowers or memorial donations, Janice would want people to do a kind deed in her honor, particularly for someone struggling with poverty, addiction, mental health issues, or other life challenges.

Janice May Coty

August 15, 1939 - January 28, 2021