Jeannette Charette Chermside, of Plymouth, Michigan and Apopka, Florida, passed away peacefully at the age of 94. Born on February 25, 1931, in Redford, Michigan, Jeannette was the tenth of eleven children of Jeanne and Joseph Charette, and the last surviving member of her cherished siblings.

Jeannette married the love of her life, the late John Chermside Jr., and together they built a family rooted in faith, laughter, and unconditional love. She is survived by six of her children—Paula Chermside, Mark Chermside, Brian (Marcy) Chermside, Leslie (Doug) Thompson, Sharon (Andy Verardi) Conklin, and John (Amy) Chermside—as well as twelve grandchildren: Erin (Luis) Birkam, John Jay Thompson, Jennifer (Justin) Myers, Jeannette (Casen) Sharp, Rhy Chermside, Daniel (Jordan) Conklin, Christopher (Julia) Chermside-Scabbo, Caitlin (Shawn) Mersino, John (Stefany) Conklin, Anna Chermside, Jack Chermside, and Ben Chermside. She was also blessed with eleven great-grandchildren: Mitchell Davis, Brett Sharp, Colin Sharp, Jackson Myers, Owen Sharp, James Myers, Matteo Varona, Ty Conklin, Nina Mersino, Lucy Conklin, and Jay Howard Myers.

She was preceded in death by her eldest daughter, Dianne (George) Birkam; her beloved husband, John Chermside Jr.; her parents, Jeanne and Joseph Charette; her parents-in-law, John and Annie Chermside Sr.; all ten of her siblings; and many cherished in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Jeannette had a boundless love not just for her immediate family but for her extended family as well. She was the “glue” that held everyone together—a true matriarch—coordinating gatherings, keeping connections alive across generations, and making every family member feel seen and loved. She was the one people leaned on, and she never hesitated to step in when needed.

Education was a cornerstone of Jeannette’s life. A proud graduate of the first four-year class of Our Lady of Mercy High School (1949), it was an achievement she held dear. She and her husband believed that one of the greatest gifts they could give their seven children was a college education. Jeannette supported John as he worked two jobs for over a decade to make that dream a reality.

Jeannette approached life with a love for challenges—there was never a project too big, and “good enough” was simply not in her vocabulary. She was generous with her time, wisdom, and warmth. A talented artist and pianist, she brought creativity and beauty to the world around her. She was also a dedicated volunteer—serving as a Girl Scout leader, class secretary, church supporter, junior golf advocate, and Women’s Golf Chair at Lakelands Country Club, as well as Detroit District Chair for the Women’s Golf Association of Michigan. She truly loved to golf!

Jeannette had a joyful spirit and a sharp sense of fun, whether on the golf course or around the family table. She lived by deep values: education, respect, equality, caring, mercy, and compassion. Her life was a true reflection of those ideals.

Visitation for Jeannette will be held on Wednesday, July 30th, from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Scripture and Sharing Service at 6:00 p.m. at McCabe Funeral Home 851 N. Canton Center Rd., Canton. She will lie in state on Thursday, July 31st, at 10:00 a.m. until the time of her Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas a’Becket Catholic Church, 555 S. Lilley Rd., Canton. Burial will follow in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Kidney Fund or Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, honoring Jeannette’s enduring belief in education and her lifelong pride in being a Mercy girl.