Janice Ann Irby

October 4, 1939 - December 27, 2018

Janice Ann Irby, 79 years, a lifelong resident of Monroe, MI went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, December 27, 2018 at Medilodge of Monroe. Born October 4, 1939 in Monroe, Janice was the daughter of the late Herbert and Mildred (Bruhn) Eby. At the age of four Janice was adopted by her aunt and Godmother who raised her, Loretta St. Bernard. Janice attended and was a 1957 graduate of St. Mary’s Academy. On May 28, 1966, Janice married her beloved husband, Ira H. Irby, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe. Sadly, he preceded her in death on July 16, 2001 after 35 years of marriage. Janice worked at various jobs throughout her life. She started at Independent Dairy selling ice cream, and then moved to Consolidated Paper Company as an IBM keypunch operator. In the 1970’s she went to work at Mercy Hospital in the housekeeping department where she worked for many years. Also in the 70’s she, along with her husband Ira, created Irby Hauling, which was licensed by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission to deliver alcohol to party stores and bars in southern Wayne County and Monroe; Janice handled the payroll and accounting. In the late 70’s the couple created J & I Concessions of which Janice took the lead role in providing concessions for Roessler Field, Munson Park and Frenchtown. They operated these businesses for 30 years. Ira and Jan also sponsored many youth and adult men’s and women’s ball teams over the years. Jan is survived by her loving son, Michael J. Irby of Monroe and two nephews, Mark Miller of Texas and Marty Miller of Monroe. In addition to her husband, parents, and her adoptive mother, Janice was preceded in death by her sister, Vera (PeeWee) (St. Bernard) Miller. Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 3, 2019, in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201. S. Telegraph Rd. Monroe, MI, 48161 from 11:00 AM until funeral services celebrating her life at 1:30 PM. Deacon Michael Stewart, will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Janice was a lover of cats and dogs, so in lieu of flowers donations are suggested to the Humane Society of Monroe County.