Jean C. (Sacks) Janssen

Jean Claire Janssen passed into God’s loving arms on Friday, March 16, 2018 at Magnolias of Lancaster. 

She was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on August 21, 1929 to Martin and Eva Sacks. After a young life in Eastern Pennsylvania, she served in the United States Navy as a photographer during Korea. While stationed in Pensacola, Florida she met Paul Janssen, a Marine in Naval flight school.  They were married in 1951 and their marriage lasted sixty one years, until Paul’s death in 2013.

Jean was a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished painter, photographer, chef, florist, seamstress, baker, singer, and longtime homemaker. By far, the three most important things in her life were her strong faith in Jesus Christ, her family, and serving her church.

A devout Christian and lifelong Lutheran, she contributed to numerous churches with her artistic talents, participated and led countless Bible study groups, taught Sunday School, and served on numerous committees for many years.  The long time wife of a Marine Corps Officer meant Jean moved many times and all over the country.  Paul and Jean finally retired in the Hershey/Palmyra area in 1999 and remained in the area until their deaths.

Jean was preceded in death by Father Martin, Mother Eva, Brother Gerald, and her husband Paul.  She is survived by her daughter Thalia (wife of Jack Hagerup) of Winchester, Virginia; son Paul Jr. (wife Cheryl) of Hazle Township, Pennsylvania; and son David (wife Lisa) of Hershey, Pennsylvania.  In addition, she has nine grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and one more on the way.

A service and interment will follow at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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