Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Josiane Fabi

March 10, 1939 - June 24, 2018
Portage, MI

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Visitation

Thursday, June 28, 2018
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Food and beverages will be served.

Driving Directions

Service

Friday, June 29, 2018
10:30 AM EDT
St. Monica Catholic Church
4408 South Westnedge Avenue
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 345-4389
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Bronson Foundation, Robert A Fabi Neurosciences Fund
301 John Street Box C
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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On March 10, 1939, Josiane Alajarin was born in Oujda, Morocco, and raised in Meknes. Then, revolution broke out. All the French residents were subsequently expelled. After a hazardous voyage to Halifax, Canada, she landed in Montreal where she married Robert Fabi, then a medical intern. Then, the adventures began, starting with their family. First, a miscarriage occurred, then came Patricia.

After two years in Montreal the family decided to boldly move to Rochester, Minnesota. With no money, and unable to speak the language, they persevered and eventually completed 4 years of residency at the Mayo Clinic. During this time, the family expanded adding Alain and Brigitte to the mix. At this point, the decision was made to move to Kalamazoo, Michigan. It was at this point that Josiane realized she would have to learn to speak English. She had to use a French/English dictionary to go grocery shopping, but really learned English by listening to Sesame Street with her 3 small children. In the process of adaptation, she began to play tennis, to play bridge, she swam with her best friend, and learned to play golf. And became quite proficient at all. She was able to enjoy these pastimes while raising her children, keeping an immaculate home, cooking for her family and traveling the world.

Mentions should be made of the fact that she was seen as “the classiest lady in town”. To her family she was the classiest lady in the world. She was voted “best dressed” and everywhere she went, people commented on her beauty and elegance. All of her friends looked up to her.

She was blessed with 5 beautiful grandchildren, of whom she was very proud. Proud beyond words. Nikolas, Gabriella, Anthony, Vincente and Chloé became her world. She insisted on being called Mimi by her grandchildren and she became Mimi to all.

She was the grandmaster of her home. She ran it like a corporation and exceeded the need for control. But you could count on this perfection at all times. She was a perfectionist in everything she did. She had a profound love for her family and would defend them at all costs against any detractor.

We have also to recognize the courage and bravery of facing a 2 year long disease with grace, she died peacefully. She has lived a very good, long and productive life. We have all been enriched and blessed by her presence in our lives. She will never be forgotten.

Josiane Fabi of Portage and Bonita Springs, FL, age 79, died on Sunday, June 24, 2018. She was born on March 10, 1939 in Oujda, Morocco. Josiane is the daughter of Gines and Pierrette (Monpont) Alajarin and has been a resident of the Kalamazoo area since 1966. She married Robert Fabi, M.D., on May 30, 1959 in Montreal, Quebec. Known to all as an elegant, kind and loving woman, she enjoyed playing golf and traveling the world. She was an exceptional wife, mother and grandmother. Her family members include her husband of 59 years, Robert Fabi; her 3 children: Patricia (Ronn) Werre, Alain (Michele) Fabi and Brigitte (Robert) Vall; her extended family includes her grandchildren: Nik (Deanna) Werre, Gabriella Werre, Anthony, Vincente and Chloe Fabi; as well as 2 brothers: Roger (Lina) and Georges (Ginette) Alajarin. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ginette Castellon. Learn more about Josiane and visit with family and friends while sharing food and drinks on Thursday (June 28) from 5-8 PM at the Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive; Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM at St. Monica Catholic Church, 4408 S. Westnedge Avenue; Kalamazoo. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit Josiane’s personal web page at www.BetzlerFuneralHome.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her on-line guestbook before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to the Bronson Foundation, Robert A. Fabi Neuro Science Fund.

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