Janet L. Provost

Janet “Jan” L. Provost, 86, longtime Billings Park resident, died peacefully Monday, April 6, 2020 at Solvay Hospice House in Duluth, MN surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 1, 1933 in Superior, WI to John “Jack” and Gertrude (Harris) White.

She married Ronald Provost on June 18, 1955 and they celebrated 58 years of marriage before his passing in 2013. Jan attended area schools, and graduated from Cathedral High School, where she was Homecoming Queen.

Jan was a longtime active member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church and was involved in their Pastoral Ministries as Grief Minister and Greeter. Jan was a well-known area peace activist. As a champion for peace and social justice issues, she believed that “peace begins at home and will eventually spread throughout the world”. In 1983, she founded the Northland Chapter of Grandmothers for Peace, whose main goal was to rid the world of nuclear weapons and support other Peace groups in their activities. They granted monetary peace awards to local students involved in peace and social justice issues. In 2001 Jan was awarded the Wisconsin Peacemaker of the Year Award.

Jan was a member of the Essentia Health Patient & Family Advisory Council. Jan had a passion for writing, and was a member of the “Write Women” writers group. As a member of the Superior Sister City Commission, Jan welcomed numerous Japanese friends into her house through the exchange program. She was actively involved in her children’s numerous school and music activities, and was a 4-H Leader for many years. Jan was a warm, funny and loving woman, who opened her heart and home to all. The coffee pot was always on and she was known for her homemade banana bread and lively conversation.

Jan is survived by five daughters, Mary (Robert) Sutherland, FL, Julie (Arthur “Don”) Smith, Virginia, Jane (Mike) Rapaich, Duluth, MN, Clarice (Tom) Peterson, Superior, WI and Barb (Paul) Susienka, Barnes, WI; two sons, Jerry Provost, Superior, WI and Peter (Nam) Provost, Inver Grove Heights, MN; longtime special family friend, Ron DeGraef; sisters-in-law, Josephine White and Janice (Jerry) Patterson; 14 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Ronald, parents, infant daughter Katherine Rose, granddaughter Celine Provost, sister, Barbara Wiedner and brother Jack White.

Jan also leaves behind many well loved, wonderful friends and extended family members.

The family would like to express a special “Thank you” to Solvay Hospice House, for their kind, compassionate care.

Due to CDC guidelines, and Governor mandates, a Memorial Mass at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church for Janet will be held at a later date.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements. To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.