Lilly Mae Janowiak

In Loving Memory of Lilly Mae Janowiak.

After a sudden and devastating battle with pancreatic cancer, Lilly Mae Janowiak (Houghton), age 69, was called home on September 19, 2026. She fought bravely, and her final days were filled with love, prayer, and peace as she transitioned into God’s presence. Lilly spent much of her life in Muskegon, Michigan, where she built a life centered around the things that mattered most to her: her faith, her family, and loving others well. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Neilda Houghton; her brother, Timothy Houghton; her first husband, David Larabee; and the love of her life, her husband Edward Janowiak. The loss of Edward left an emptiness that could never truly be filled, and there is comfort in imagining them together again. 

Lilly leaves behind her five daughters, Pamala (Chris) Stevens, Michelle (Jayson) Beebe, Deliah (Michael S.) Houghton, Shelly (Ryan) DeVries, and Crystal Houghton, along with her many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy to her life. She is also survived by her siblings, Sherry Able, Jack (Lesli) Houghton, Neila (Ron) Swanson, and Tina (Greg) Smith, as well as many extended family members, friends, and others who were fortunate enough to know and love her. 

To know Lilly was to know someone who was funny, empathetic, incredibly generous, and genuinely kind. She had a contagious personality and a heart big enough to make room for everyone. Lilly didn’t simply say that she cared about people, she showed it. She was always thinking about someone else. She loved putting together gifts and finding little things she knew would make someone smile. Birthdays, holidays, someone going through a difficult time, or sometimes no reason at all. Lilly simply loved to give. Blessing others brought her genuine happiness. 

And if there was a bargain to be found, Lilly was probably already on her way to find it. She loved thrifting, shopping the bin stores, reselling, and playing bingo. Through reselling, she developed a wonderful community of local shoppers and friends who supported her over the years. Many began as customers, but Lilly’s personality had a way of turning people into friends. 

Her love extended to the four-legged members of the family, too. Her dog Roxy held a special place in her heart, as did the grand pets who shared her home Mabel, George, and Lenny. 

Above everything else was Lilly’s faith in Jesus Christ. Her faith wasn’t simply something she spoke about; it was part of how she lived. She loved Jesus, openly shared her faith, and considered Oak Crest Church of God, where she attended for many years, her home church. That faith is also what brings comfort to those grieving her now. 

We were not ready to let her go. There would never have been enough time. But while our hearts are broken, we know where she is. Lilly has gone home to be with the Lord she loved so deeply and faithfully. And although the space she leaves behind is enormous, so is the legacy of love she leaves with us. She was a bright light in a dark world, and she will be sorely missed.

Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate Lilly’s life on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Crest Church, 1540 Leonard Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan 49442.

Her family asks that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers as they come together to honor Lilly, celebrate the life she lived, and say goodbye for now.