Jennifer Bellairs

Jennifer Bellairs, 71, of Charlevoix, passed away on February 17, 2022, at her home in Hayes Township, surrounded by a houseful of family and friends.

Jennifer Dawn Sluyter was born on April 14, 1950, in Detroit, to Winfield Josiah Sluyter and Marjorie Evelyn (Hobbs) Sluyter. She grew up in Troy, Michigan, and graduated from Troy High School in 1968. Upon graduation, she attended Ferris State College, graduating in June, 1971, with an Associates Degree in Radiologic Technology. On the day of her graduation, she accepted a position as X-Ray Technologist at Charlevoix Area Hospital. On December 11, 1971, Jenny married Robert Bellairs, of Rochester, MI. In March of 1973, Jenny and Bob moved to their current home. Jenny worked at the hospital eight years, then spent the next 16 years raising her family. She then returned to work at Charlevoix Area Hospital and Bay Street Orthopaedics, until cancer forced her to retire in 2014.

Jenny’s interests were varied, and whatever hobby interested her, she dove into with her whole being. She not only developed great skills, but also freely taught those skills to others. Those interests included sewing, smocking, quilting, upholstery, La Leche League, 4-H, gardening, and ultimately weaving. Local weavers still gather at her Daisy Hill Weaving Studio every Tuesday, to weave and learn. She was a member of the Northern Michigan Spinning and Weaving guilds, the Charlevoix United Methodist Church, and the Congregation of the Orchard Messianic Fellowship. She was also a weaving demonstrator at the Northern Michigan Flywheelers.

Jenny is survived by her husband of 50 years, Robert, children Rebecca “Stell” Michelson, of Petoskey, David (Jenn), of Fruitport, Edwin (Rebecca), of Charlevoix, Rachel (Nick) Fields, of San Diego, CA, and Carolyn (Jeremy) Anderson, of Green Bay, WI. Also surviving are her father, Winfield Sluyter, of Petoskey, her brother David (Mary) Sluyter, of Harbor Springs, 16 grandchildren, 40 precious chickens, and 2 naughty kitties. She is predeceased by her mother, Marjorie, stepmother Rosemarie, her sister, Janet Haswell, and grandson, Trenton Michelsen.

Friends are welcome to attend a visitation at the Charlevoix Drawbridge Life Church, on Tuesday, February 22, from 4 – 8 PM. Funeral Services will also be at the Charlevoix Drawbridge Life Church, Wednesday, February 23, at 11:00 AM, Rabbi Walter Rosenthal officiating. Interment will be at Barnard Cemetery in the spring.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, PO BOX 32141 New York, NY 10087-2141

Arrangements have been handled by the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

Sign her online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com