Janice Louise (Gruett) Cope, 86, of Haverhill, died June 30, after a long illness.
She was born in Kewaunee, Wisc., Dec. 6, 1929, and graduated from Appleton High School. She was married to Irving Ensign Cope Jr., Sept. 29, 1951 and they were married 30 years. She was an accomplished golfer, winning amateur tournaments and hitting holes in one. She played duplicate bridge and taught bridge at the Haverhill Citizen’s Center. She was active for many years in Republican Party politics, serving as a delegate to the national convention and working to elect many candidates. She also loved the Green Bay Packers, and she never missed a chance to cheer on her beloved Brett Farve.
She leaves a daughter, Chere Bemelmans and her husband John Kusiak; grandchildren Stefan Bemelmans and Hannah Bemelmans; brothers Donald Gruett and Glenn Gruett and his wife Linda; nieces and nephews Kurt Gruett and his wife Diane, Greg Gruett and his wife Maria, Guy Gruett and his wife Brenda, Gretchen Gruett Richards and her husband John, and Cindy Gruett Hronek and her husband Randy; cousins Kim Krueger Kerr and her husband Merle and Kent Krueger and his wife Bonnie; and other family and friends. She was predeceased by husband Irving Ensign Cope Jr.; parents Wilmer Gruett and Hildegard Krueger Gruett; uncles Almon Krueger and his wife Viola, Jerry Kreuger and his wife Arla, and Henry Gruett and his wife Alma; and sister-in-law Hannelore Gruett.
The family wishes to thank Stevens-Bennett Home, Penacook Place and Merrimack Valley Hospice. A life celebration takes place Saturday, July 9, at Driscoll Funeral Home, 309 South Main Street, Haverhill, from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Merrimack Valley Hospice at https://hhf.thankyou4caring.org/GiveNow.