Janie Holley Fleckenstein

Janie Holley Fleckenstein, beloved mother, wife, artist, aunt, sister, and friend, died on Nov. 2, 2023, after a 20-year battle with depression. Her strength and resilience were nothing short of remarkable, a testament to the courageous woman she was.

Janie was born on March 5, 1965, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, to Danforth and Jane (Taylor) Holley. Janie attended the Grosse Pointe Academy through the eighth grade. After graduating from Grosse Pointe North High School, she went on to the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design.

Janie was an immensely talented visual artist. In addition to her lifelong passion for art, Janie was also a long-time philanthropist in the Detroit and Flint areas. Since the age of 21, she served as a trustee of the Earl-Beth Foundation, founded by her grandparents Earl and Beth Holley. In 2000, she started the Edelweiss Foundation, which focuses on grants to support the arts.

As a member of the Holley family, Janie was very proud of her family history and their role in shaping the Detroit automobile industry. On her wedding day to John Fleckenstein in 1988, she rode in the bright red Holley Motorette with her beloved father, Danforth. The Holley Motorette was built in 1902 by her grandfather Earl and great-uncle George Holley, the founders of Holley Carburetor.

Janie was a pillar of the Point Lookout community in Au Gres, Michigan, where she founded the Fourth of July parade for children. The parade is now a cherished tradition that takes place every summer. She was also an avid tennis player and often competed in the annual Calcutta tennis tournament, taking home a trophy in 1998.

Throughout her life, Janie held an unwavering love for art, philanthropy, children, tennis, skiing, and gardening. Her patient demeanor and nurturing spirit allowed her to teach art to both children and adults. Her sweet, generous, and loving nature was her hallmark, embodying the very essence of gentleness and grace. Her shy smile and sweet laugh will be greatly missed.

Janie’s adoring family was her pride and joy. Janie leaves behind her husband, John, her children: Ashley, Andrew, and Kristi, her siblings: Deborah Palms (Jeff), Danforth Holley, Scott Holley (Whitney), and Mark Holley (Lupita), her mother-in-law and father-in-law, June and Lou Emmert, and her many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Danforth and Jane (Taylor) Holley.

A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, November 9, at 1 p.m. at Warwick Hills Golf and Country Club, 9057 S Saginaw St, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.

In lieu of flowers, please honor Janie’s life by donating to the Janie Fleckenstein Art Therapy Memorial Fund, which helps children access healing through art therapy. Donations can be made by accessing this link: 

(https://nacoa.networkforgood.com/projects/209459-donate-to-the-janie-fleckenstein-memorial-art-therapy-fund)