Evelyn “Janice” Modes was born on December 17, 1936, to Peter and Edna Yarnevich. She passed away surrounded by family on May 22, 2026.

As the eldest of five children, Janice was a natural leader. She had an infectious laugh and a beautiful smile that could light up any room. An avid reader, card player and frequent swimmer, Janice also loved music and was often found singing and dancing along to the tune. She found great joy in traveling, enjoying candy, and spending time with those she loved. Above all, she was a caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many.

Janice attended St. Mary’s of Redford High School, where she met the love of her life and husband of 69 years, Robert Modes. They were married on September 28, 1957, in a double wedding ceremony alongside Janice’s sister, Carol and her husband Bob Delbeke.

After their wedding, Bob and Janice briefly lived with the Yarnevich family before purchasing their first home on Woodmont Avenue in Detroit. Following the birth of their first three children, they moved to Warwick Street in Detroit, where they became deeply involved in their neighborhood and parish community through St. Suzanne Parish. Their journey later took them to Seminole in Redford and, finally, to Marycrest Senior Living, where Janice and Bob spent the last year.

In addition to raising her family, Janice built a remarkable nursing career. She earned her Registered Nurse certification and later her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, becoming the first in her family to obtain a college degree. Janice worked as a nurse at Northwest General Hospital, rising to the position of Director of Nursing.

In 1980, Bob and Janice purchased the Dairy Whip, a beloved family business that remained in the Modes family for 39 years and served as the first job for many of their grandchildren.

Janice remained steadfast in her Catholic faith throughout her life. In 1984, Bob was ordained as a Deacon with Janice’s unwavering support. Together, they faithfully served many parish communities over the years, including St. Mary’s of Wayne, St. Mel Parish, St. John Bosco Parish, Gate of Heaven Parish, St. Valentine Parish, and St. John XXIII Parish. Janice generously gave her time to parish life, including serving in the choir and on parish councils. 

Bob and Janice also spent 20 years conducting Eucharistic services at Scott Correctional Facility. Their involvement in the Charismatic Renewal inspired them to begin a prayer group at St. Suzanne Parish and host home prayer groups for many years. They were also deeply devoted to the Cursillo movement, helping others deepen their relationship with God, strengthen their faith, and carry Christ’s love into their everyday lives.

Janice took immense pride in her family. She was a loving mother to Bob (Joan), Ann (Karen), Mike (Meg), and John (Roberta); an adoring grandmother to Michael, Robert (Abbey), Grace, Daniel (Briana), Natalie (Mark) Proctor, Jane (James) McGrail, John, Sophia, Molly, and Amelia; and a doting great-grandmother to McKenna, Zoey, Lincoln, Madeline, Graham, and Emerson.

She was a caring sister to Carol (Bob) Delbeke and Robert Yarnevich, and sister-in-law to Marilyn Yarnevich. She was preceded in death by her siblings Francine Yarnevich and Peter Yarnevich; and her in-laws John Dowd, Edward Modes, Edward (Angela) Dowd, William Dowd, Mary “Tiny” (Bill) Lay, Madora “Toby” (Gene) McNulty, William Modes, and James Modes. She will be deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Visitation will be held at Fred Wood Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. An in-state gathering will take place at St. Edith Catholic Church on May 27, 2026 at 10:30 AM, followed by a funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery.