The Villager Newspaper Online Your Community News – Cleveland's Westshore
10/24/1932 – 07/28/2024
Janice Marie Sampson Reash was the firstborn daughter of American Finns John W. Sampson (son of Gustov and Matilda Tarila), and Sadie (Sally) Kotila Sampson (daughter of Oscar and Maria Kotila). She was born in Waukegan (Chicago) Illinois, on October 24, 1932, and died on July 28, 2024, in Westlake, Ohio, at the age of 91. Predeceased sisters were Carolyn Sampson Carrington and Sophia Tarila. She was the beloved wife of George L. Reash (d 2016) for 62 years, and is survived by daughter Laura C. Perrine (John), son Robin J. Reash (Maryellen) and daughter Georgia M. Reash; grandchildren including Kristin Dussault (Robert), Jordan Reash (Natalie), Karl Rozitis (Kristen), Justin Reash (Emily), Loren Reash-Henz (Margo) and Haley Reash-Henz; and nine great grandchildren including Kourtney, Liam, Thomas, and Maggie Dussault; Ryker and Barrett Rozitis; and Cameron, Elizabeth and William Reash.
Jan graduated from Howe High School, Indianapolis, IN in 1950, then moved to Springfield, OH to attend Wittenberg University. In 1954, Jan completed her undergraduate education in Social Work at Wittenberg University, where she met George, and completed her graduate education at Case Western Reserve University in 1969. Jan used her considerable energy and passion serving and advocating for those with mental health challenges over the span of many decades. Her career accomplishments include working in children’s and family services in Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties. In 1976, she was the Founding Executive Director of Far West Center, a community mental health agency in Westlake, Ohio. Upon retirement in 1991, she continued counseling in private practice until age 85.
Jan enjoyed a vibrant and diverse life as world traveler, poet, print artist, and belonged to Inspirit, Meditation, Women’s, and various Church groups. As an active member of Bay United Methodist Church, she served in many ministries including co-founding the Stephen Ministry program, Adult spiritual education, ecumenical leadership, and women’s circles. Her prints were displayed in various juried galleries throughout the community, for which she received many awards.
Jan’s deep love, authenticity, and generosity toward all people who encountered her, was and is, truly profound and enduring. As a driven seeker of knowledge who inspired all those around her, combined with a deep capacity for human connection, she was a “force of living life to its fullest”.
Though Jan was incredibly accomplished in career, spiritual, and creative realms, her greatest joys in life were deep connections with her children, grandchildren (and great-grandchildren); and the wide range of deep and meaningful friendships forged throughout the years.
Memorial Service to be held Saturday, September 21, 2024, 11:00 am at Bay United Methodist Church, 29931 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140. Reception to follow service in Fellowship Hall at the church. If able, prior to the service, please bring a piece of Jan’s artwork to be displayed in Fellowship Hall.
If desired, flowers sent to the church, are welcome through Silver Fox Florist, 26825 Detroit Rd, Westlake, OH 44145, 440-835-3699, or at www.silverfoxflowers.com.
Donations in lieu of flowers should be sent to either Bay United Methodist Church at www.bayumc.org (online giving) or to Nami (National Alliance on Mental Illness) at https://donate.nami.org.
Complete Obituary can be viewed on Jenkins Funeral Home (Westlake, OH) Website www.jenkinsfuneralchapel.com.
