Meet Our Next “Carder”, 11-16-24

Kris Gavin lives in Naperville, IL, just west of Chicago and we’re going to “card” her mom, Janet Frazier.

Mary — 

Thanks for featuring my Mom for a “Carding”.

Her name is Janet Frazier, she is 88 yo and just moved from her house in the country into a senior living high rise in town.  She has lived her entire life in Benton Harbor/Saint Joseph Michigan.  She married young, had 3 children and then lost her first husband at age 25.  As a single Mom, she went to work as a technical illustrator, drawing how-to manuals for a the Heathkit company as well as a Cub Scout Den Mother and doing all those Mom things.  She is the one who taught me how to sew.  She remarried in her 40s and enjoyed travelling and painting.  She has illustrated numerous books and even published her own book about her home town of Benton Harbor.   She is known to be an expert of local history and is invited to speak at events in the area.  She has been a widow for about 10 years. She is settling into her new home but missing her country home of 40 years.  

I have attached a painting she did from a picture of my son and husband at a petting zoo… 

Janet Frazier

509 Ship St.

Saint Joseph, MI. 49085

11 thoughts on “Meet Our Next “Carder”, 11-16-24”

  1. Martha W in WY

    Kristin, your mother is and amazing artist. Did she use her real name as illustrator for the books she illustrated? I’m thinking she will like visiting other residents and participating in the activities offered since she likes being social. I will definitely will get a card off to her.

    1. Kris in Naperville

      Hey Martha –

      Thanks for your kind words and sending a card. To answer your question, she did use her real name as the illustrator (I think she used Jan instead of Janet). She has drawn pictures for children’s books, historical books and even the sheriff department. That drawing helped convict a murderer.

  2. Angie from Baltimore

    What apartment number? I live in a retirement community and no apartment number and it gets returned.
    Please correct this before we can send out cards.
    She is a true artist. It takes a bit to adjust but peace of mind is so worth it

    2. Jeanne in Co.

      First of all, praying that Mary avoids the nasty covid and that surgery takes place as originally acheduled. Also praying for dear Becky that she recovers quickly. I’m sure she is bummed about the timing just as you are, Mary. Do you have a plan B for someone to take over Becky’s farm chores for you while you are recovering? So much to think about and so many animals to care for. But God is good and He is in control. It will all get taken care of – in His time. So glad that the tumor has shrunk, another blessing from God.
      All of your bloggers wish we could be there to help, but I’m sure your church family will step in and be there for you. Sending love and prayers, Jeanne

  3. Kathy in western NY

    Wow what an illustrator Janet is and such a wealth of valuable knowledge she provides to the community there. It’s nice she can relax in her golden years and not have the hassles of her home to stress about. Thank you for this opportunity to share a card to welcome her into her new home. I know several readers here make beautiful cards and reading of Janet makes me think I should pull out my art and scrapbook supplies and make a unique one.

    1. Kris in Naperville

      Yes, not having the hassles of her home to stress about is so key. Also, she would deny it, but she’s a social butterfly and seeing and being around people is key as well. She will be delighted to know she inspired you to pull out your supplies and be creative.

  4. Linda in Saginaw Michigan

    Kris, that’s sweet you want cards sent to your mom to welcome her to her new home. I hope she has enough room for all of her art supplies, she is an amazing artist. I will send her a card. I have a friend that moved from our rural area to St. Joe a few years ago and she enjoys the area. Just think, no more housework for dear mom, how lucky!

    1. Kris in Naperville

      Hey Linda – I’m glad to hear your friend that moved to St. Joe enjoys the area. Mom is right on the bluff and can see the lake and light house. She really pared down her art supplies. Her go-to craft right now is knitting prayer squares for a church project.

      1. Susan from SW Michigan

        I will definitely be sending your mom a card. I’ve done many trips to St Joe and Silver Beach. One of my husband’s doctors is in St. Joe. I only live about 40 minutes away.

        1. Kris in Naperville

          Susan – thanks for your kindness…. if it’s not too personal, where do you live? I grew up in St. Joe, then went to Valpo U for 2 years and then transferred to Michigan
          State… I miss Michigan. Mom is in the Whitcomb and adjusting to being in the middle of everything…

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