Jane Redfern

Jane M. Redfern, 77, of Bellaire, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 25, 2015 at her home on Torch Lake surrounded and held by her family and loved ones. Jane has deep roots in Northern Michigan. Born on December 1, 1937, in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of William and Eva (Ver Snyder) Murrel, Jane moved to the Leelanau Peninsula when she was 8 and attended school in Bingham, Suttons Bay and Leland from the fourth grade to her junior year in high school. Tragedy struck Jane's family in September of 1953 when Jane's mother died. Jane courageously stepped up to fill her mother's shoes and took care of her three younger siblings and father. The family moved back to Ann Arbor a year later and Jane graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1955. Always a strong and independent woman, Jane was accepted to Michigan State University and graduated with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business and Economics in June of 1959. Upon graduation, Jane earned a coveted position with IBM based out of Chicago where she met the love of her life, Richard Redfern. Jane and Richard ("Dick") Redfern were married in 1965 and worked together at IBM for many years before moving back "Up North" to raise a family. Against all odds, they started a fledgling computer business in downtown Bellaire and provided data processing services to many local businesses. When Dick was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1975 and subsequently died in April of 1976, Jane faced a pivotal decision point a�" whether to stay in Bellaire and fulfill their joint dreams, or to throw in the towel and move her and her young daughter, Susan, just 3 at the time, back to Chicago to work at a traditional ("real") job. Despite many naysayers and being largely in debt with a brand new business, Jane opted to continue her fledgling computer business in Bellaire and to raise her daughter here. Jane and her daughter resided in Bellaire for well over forty years, where Jane successfully established her business, the Bellaire Computer Center, and hired and supported many local people who have become dear friends. During her later years, Jane was active in the community, serving as treasurer for Friends of the Library for Helena Township as well as volunteering many hours to numerous local organizations and non-profit organizations. Jane was an extremely generous person and a wonderful friend. She was positive and optimistic and loved to cook and entertain for all of her friends, family, and neighbors. She was a voracious reader, an avid swimmer, and loved to sing and dance. She enjoyed life to the fullest, and passed that enthusiasm on to all whose lives she touched. Jane is survived by her daughter Susan Redfern Fujii (husband Ross Fujii) of Mountain View, CA, her two beloved granddaughters, Keilani (9) and Malia (7) also of Mountain View, CA, 3 brothers: Robert Murrel of Newport Beach, CA, Thomas Murrel of San Jose, CA, Michael Murrel of Delton, MI, and a sister Judy Murrel of Ann Arbor, MI, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Richard Redfern as well as by her loving parents. Jane will be sorely missed. A celebration of her life will be held Sun., Nov. 1, 2015 at 2:30 at the Church In The Hills, Bellaire, with Rev. David Ramage officiating. The family will receive friends starting at 2 pm. A reception will follow the service also at the church. Interment will take place in Lakeview Cemetery, Torch Lake Township. Memorial contributions may be made to the Antrim County High Tea, P.O. Box 218, Bellaire, MI, 49615 or to the Grass River Natural Area, P.O. Box 231, Bellaire, MI, 49615, both of which Jane believed in and supported strongly and generously throughout her life. Arrangements are being handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign Jane's online guestbook at http://www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com/