Sister M. Janeen Sobczak, OSF

1923-2021

Sister M. Janeen Sobczak died at Our Lady of Grace Hall in Sylvania, Ohio on September 17, 2021.  The daughter of Joseph and Catherine Sobczak entered the convent in Sylvania from Nativity Parish in Toledo, Ohio.  She was one of seven children. Her mother, who wanted to join the convent in Poland but was unable to do so, prayed that at least one of her four daughters would become a nun and Mary, (Sister Janeen) was the one singled out by the Lord to join the Sisters.  She admired the Sylvania Franciscans who were her teachers and who seemed to be so happy in their life and ministry.

In her 78 years in religious life, Sister Janeen served the People of God in a variety of ministries.  She taught in elementary schools in Ohio, Minnesota and Michigan; taught Latin and English and served as a guidance counselor in high schools in Ohio; and spent the last several years in a variety of ministries at the Sylvania Motherhouse including working with the Registrar at Lourdes College, managing the central supply, and providing transportation for the older Sisters. In the evening of her life, Sister Janeen spent her time reading, listening to religious books, enjoying visits with her family, friends and the Sisters. In her final days she spent her time in quiet reflection on how much God loved her and how much she loved serving the many people whose lives she touched in her 78 years in religious life.

Those who knew Sister Janeen best knew that she had a lifelong love and zest for life and served as a model and mentor of what would be known as a life well lived.  She exemplified what her favorite Scripture quotation expressed:

I thank you that I am fearfully, wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14) and from St. John of the Cross, In the evening of life we shall be judged by love alone.  She will be missed by her Sisters in Community, her caregivers at Our Lady of Grace Hall, and her surviving family and friends as she now experiences the God she served so well all the days of her life.

There will be a Welcoming on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel in Sylvania.  Visitation will continue until the Funeral Mass also on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel.

Because COVID is still active, the Sisters ask those in attendance to please safeguard each other through some degree of social distancing plus wearing masks, if you so choose.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of St. Francis, Sylvania, Ohio.