Jeanne Eileen Wasil

Jeanne Eileen Wasil, 75, of Ostrander, passed away peacefully at home on Monday morning, November 24, 2025, after a battle with Alzheimer's. The third of four children, she was born November 25, 1949, in Cleveland, Ohio to Arthur and Ruth (Seitz) Walter.

Despite a childhood marked with difficulty, Jeanne grew up with a deep sense of compassion that guided her throughout her life. A gifted musician, Jeanne played double bass at Valley Forge High School in Parma Heights and studied under members of the Cleveland Symphony Orchestra. She was offered a place at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music after graduation. She met her husband, Jim, her partner for 53 years, in the school orchestra, where they played bass together. They married in June 1973.

A lifelong learner, Jeanne earned her bachelor's degree in education from Cleveland State University. She spent years as a devoted stay-at-home mother, volunteering extensively in her children's schools. As her children grew, she pursued a master's degree in counseling from the University of Dayton. She later served at Helpline Delaware, offering support to those in crisis, and worked one-on-one with chronically ill and at-risk students in Delaware City Schools. A call to ministry deepened throughout her life, leading her to complete a Master of Divinity at the Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

After graduating from MTSO, Jeanne served as lead pastor at Ashley United Methodist Church and Green Valley Methodist Church, and later as associate pastor at Grace United Methodist Church in Delaware. When health concerns required her retirement from pastoral ministry, she continued her faith journey as an engaged member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church in Delaware.

Jeanne will be remembered for her quiet joy in everyday pursuits such as sewing, crafting, reading, birdwatching, baking and tending to her pets. She exemplified unwavering kindness and comfort to those in need. Her generosity of spirit was her defining gift.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her children, Bonnie (Jonathan) Sarnoff of Greer, South Carolina, Heather (Luke Gordon) Wasil of Marysville, and James "Jimmy" (Jen) Wasil Jr. of Powell; and her cherished grandchildren, Eli, Teddy, and Charlotte.

Friends will gather to remember and celebrate Jeanne's life on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025, from 4 – 6 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 73 W. Winter St., Delaware, Ohio. A service of celebration will follow at 6 p.m., officiated by Rev. Jennifer Hinkle and Rev. Carl Schaefer. Graveside services will be held Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Oakdale Cemetery in Marysville.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jeanne's memory may be made to People In Need, Inc. of Delaware County (138 Johnson Drive, Delaware, OH 43015) or to the Humane Society of Delaware County, honoring her lifelong compassion for all living creatures.

To share a fond memory of Jeanne or to offer condolences to her family, please visitwww.snyderfuneralhomes.com.