Janet Ann Locatelli

CALUMET – Janet Ann Locatelli, 85, passed to eternal life on April 6th, 2022, at Gardenview Assisted Living, where she had been a resident for six months following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Janet was born in Laurium on October 7th, 1936, the eldest child and only daughter of Anthony J. and Ann (Sandretto) Locatelli.  After graduating as class salutatorian from Calumet High School (1954), Janet obtained her baccalaureate degree in medical laboratory technology from Michigan Tech (1958).  She worked for several years at hospitals in Laurium, Flint, and Madison before completing her master’s degree in library science at the University of Michigan (1966).  Janet then returned to the Copper Country and began her 35-year career at Michigan Tech’s library, where she assisted countless students and faculty members with their research.

Janet loved music and patronized the arts, serving on the Calumet Theatre board of trustees for many years.  Afflicted with polio in 1950, she faced mobility challenges through much of her life but courageously carried on, inspiring those around her.  Janet was fond of dogs and had three of them as pets.  She enjoyed the company of friends in the local knitting club, and served on the parish council of St. Paul the Apostle Church in Calumet.

Janet was preceded in death by her parents.  She is survived by her brothers Anthony P. (Phyllis), Bernard, and Paul - all of Laurium.  Also surviving are her niece Patricia (Randal) Golus of Laurium; nephews Joseph A. (Anne) and Anthony D. Locatelli of the Chicago area; grandnieces Anne (fiancé Joey Artibee) Golus and Mia Locatelli; grandnephews Peter (Sarah) Golus, David Golus, John Golus, and Joseph F. Locatelli; great-grandniece Lena Golus, great-grandnephew Anders Golus, and numerous cousins.

Friends may call at Ryan Funeral Home in Calumet from 9:30 to 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 7th.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 AM in St. Paul the Apostle Church with Fr. Gracious Pulimoottil officiating.  Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery.  

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, donations can be made in Janet’s memory to the Keweenaw Heritage Center at St. Anne’s, St. Paul the Apostle Church, and the Calumet Theatre.  Janet’s family is grateful to the staff of Mayo Clinic, Aspirus Keweenaw, Gardenview, and Portage Hospice for their care and support.

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