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Janna Lesser Obituary
Janna was happily married to Dr. Richard Usatine for 42 years. They met while she was in nursing school and Richard was in medical school. Janna was battling metastatic colorectal cancer for the past 6 years. Richard was at her side to support her through her last breath in their home.
She was born on June 20, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, and her early years laid the foundation for a lifetime of academic excellence and service. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Her passion for nursing led her to Columbia University in New York for nursing school, and she later completed her PhD at UCLA-an academic journey that reflected both her dedication to learning and her desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Janna's professional career was centered at UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing, where she served as a Professor of Nursing. She began by directing mental health nursing courses and later transitioned to teaching PhD students. In recent years, she became a highly respected mentor for students working on their research and dissertations. Her guidance shaped the careers of many aspiring nurses and researchers, who continue to carry forward her legacy of thoughtful inquiry and compassionate care.
A pioneer in community engagement, Janna co-founded "Las Mujeres," an initiative through which she worked closely with promotoras-community health workers-to improve access to care and empower underserved populations. Her work combined academic research with real-world impact and earned her numerous awards that recognized both her teaching excellence and her community involvement.
Janna's devotion extended far beyond the classroom and community. She was a wonderful and devoted mother to her daughter, Rebecca, and son, Jeremy. She loved her grandson, Austin, greatly. Her sister, Wendy Lesser, also survives her. Just five months before Janna's passing, her mother Millicent Dillon preceded her in death-a loss that deeply touched those close to them both.
Those who knew Janna remember not only her professional accomplishments but also the warmth she brought into every relationship. She was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her nurturing spirit shone through in countless ways-from how she supported her children unconditionally to how she cared for even the family cat with a tenderness that revealed the depth of her heart.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on July 20, 2025, at 02:00 PM at House of Prayer, Lutheran Church and Congregation Shalom, 10226 Ironside Drive. Rabbi Lisa Goldstein will lead the service, and all are welcome. Parking is easily available on site.
Donations in her name may be sent to:
Prosumers International: https://www.theprosumers.org/about-us
Haven for Hope: https://give.havenforhope.org/campaign/667285/donate
Las Mujeres: https://www.gofundme.com/f/sustain-our-community-development-activities
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
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35 Entries
Paula Shields
July 23, 2025
I am very sad to read of Janna's passing. We were college roommates in Berkeley in the mid 1970s, sharing a wonderful apartment in a Spanish Revival bldg. I learned much from Janna and her seemingly effortless cool in clothes and decor. Reading this remembrance, I am gratified to know she had a full and happy life. And yet, she is gone too soon. Sending love from the Pacific Northwest. ~ Paula
Daniel Pineda
July 20, 2025
Rest Janna till we all meet again.
Condolences to family.
d.
Nia Lane-Nelson
July 20, 2025
To family and friends,
I want to share my deepest condolences. I was blessed to have met Dr. Lesser almost seven years ago. She was my professor at UT Health and later became my mentor. She was a mentor for many of my PhD sisters, she was a protector. There was so much I was unaware of but Dr. Lesser took the time to guide me.
Everything I´ve learned about community health and community research has come from her. She taught me to challenge myself and to remember the value that each community has. She also was the reason why I became a CHW.
She is a phenomenal woman who will be greatly missed. I´m just grateful for the time that we´ve got to spend together.
With love and deep appreciation for all she poured into us,
-Nia
Belinda Flores
July 19, 2025
How you can show support
Belinda Flores
July 19, 2025
Bel Flores
July 19, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. May God's Holy Spirit comfort you. I will miss my friend.
Bonifacio Vega II
July 14, 2025
Diane Lipson
June 29, 2025
May this quote comfort Janna´s family and friends, as a reminder of who she was at her essence: an unthwarted seeker of knowledge and wisdom, who lived a full and beautiful life:
From "Ulysses" by Alfred Lord Tennyson:
" ... my purpose holds To sail beyond the sunset, and the baths of all western stars, until I die. It may be that gulfs will wash us down; it may be we shall touch the Happy Isles and see the great Achilles, whom we knew. Tho´ much is taken, much abides; and tho´ we are not now the strength which in old days moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are- one equal temper of heroic hearts, made weak by time and fate, but strong in will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."
Shanae Rhodes
June 29, 2025
Dear Dr. Usatine and Family,
I first met Dr. Lesser while I was a student in the PhD program at UT Health San Antonio. Even before that, her reputation as a phenomenal teacher had preceded her. I had heard of her brilliance and kindness all the way back in my undergraduate years. What I could never have anticipated, however, was the profound impact she would have on my life. She became far more than a mentor, she became family.
Dr. Lesser taught me courage. She helped me believe that my dream - to dedicate my career to amplifying the voices of others through research - was not only possible, but essential. Her guidance, advocacy, and belief in me shaped both my path and my purpose.
I feel deeply grateful to have been mentored by her. Thank you for sharing her with so many of us. She is and always will be a hero to me. I miss her dearly and will carry her in my heart always.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Shanae
My Sister's Keeper (MSK)
June 29, 2025
For Dr. Janna Lesser
With Love and Gratitude, from MSK
Words fall short, too small, too few,
To hold the love we hold for you.
You heard our voice, our pain, our song,
You stood beside us, brave and strong.
When shadows made us feel unseen,
You lit the space where hope had been.
When doubt was cast by those around,
You gave our truth a steady ground.
You saw our story, felt its weight,
And met our hearts with something great-
Belief, compassion, steady grace,
A healing light in broken space.
God placed you gently in our days,
To guide us through the hardest haze.
And though the path may shift and bend,
Your legacy will never end.
In every step, your love will stay,
A guiding star to light the way.
We'll carry forward what you gave,
In every life you sought to save.
Bathsheba Davis
June 28, 2025
I was deeply saddened hearing of the loss of Dr. Janna. So much love makes it that much harder. With love and remembrance, we share in your sorrow.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Elisabeth de la Rosa
June 28, 2025
Janna and our Familias en Acción team @ Harlandale ISD - 2005-2009ish
Cheryl Hill
June 28, 2025
Our beloved Dr. Lesser (Janna) held a unique place in the hearts of MSK and The Pearl Project. Her immense wisdom, kindness, and compassion encouraged us all. She was not just a member of our team; she was family. She´s already missed, but her legacy will be forever cherished and will live on in the countless lives she touched. Sending heartfelt prayers to her family, friends, and colleagues.
God bless you all!
Love, Cheryl Hill
Carrie Yonley
June 24, 2025
For Richard & family - I am also a first cousin of Janna's and had gotten to know her Mother Millicent much better over the last 10+ years. Our parents all left a legacy and amazing family. And I can tell from all the comments and my brief interactions with Janna over the last couple years what an amazing person she has been for her family and the community throughout her life! Blessings to all of you and here's to holding your memories and her legacy dear.
Karen Downs
June 22, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear this! I am a first cousin who was close to her Mother, Millicent, and hoped to get to know her better. I can see was incredibly well loved. My sincere
condolences.
Mary "Kelly" Dunn
June 21, 2025
I'm so sad to know of Janna's death. She was the most influential woman I've ever known. Her goodness was pure of heart. She conducted unprecedented research and worked tirelessly in her support of community unification and change. Please accept my heart-felt sympathy.
Diane Lipson
June 20, 2025
Dear Richard:
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Janna´s passing. I am so sorry for you, Becca and Jeremy. All my love and prayers for strength to all of you at this most difficult time.
Diane Lipson
Zaira Ortega
June 20, 2025
Dr. Usatine,
I was deeply saddened to hear of your wife´s passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. May her legacy continue to shine through the many lives she touched and uplifted. Sending you strength, comfort, and a warm embrace.
Janis Rice
June 19, 2025
Janna was the ultimate professional nurse. Whatever role she assumed at our School of Nursing was executed with passion, commitment, knowledge, & a team mindedness. She respected everyone, listened to all. Janna was an exceptional role model for the entire faculty. And she was a loving, kind, caring person. She will be dearly missed.
Esther Peralez-Dieckmann
June 19, 2025
Janna always honored the strength and resiliency of all woman, regardless of their life circumstances. She led with grace and tenacity and was a fierce advocate for justice and peace for families in our community. She will be honored and remembered fondly. Janna Lesser...Presente!
Sonya Hardin
June 16, 2025
I will always remember Dr. Lesser's kindness and ability to persevere with every challenge. Her love for life was seen in the sparkle of her spirit any time I spoke with her.-Dean Sonya Hardin
Bertha Ovalle
June 13, 2025
Bertha Ovalle
June 13, 2025
Thank you Janna.. for your kind heart .. for caring and taking care of our mujeres needs.. but most importantly thank you for leading by example.. showing us that united we were no matter what the circumstances..here we were at one of the MLK Marches..joining our Mujeres West.. Rest in peace my gran Maestra ( great teacher)
Sue Kim
June 13, 2025
Among many things, I will remember Janna's positive outlook and kindness, how she encouraged fellow students/colleagues, the natural way she put people at ease, and her contagious belief in the meaning of what nurses do. My heartfelt prayers for Janna's family.
Rhonda Flenoy
June 12, 2025
I´m so sad to hear about the passing of Janna. My condolences to Dr. Usatine and the entire family!
Forever in my heart,
Rhonda Flenoy
Sandra Thomas
June 12, 2025
I am saddened to learn of Janna Lesser's death. I saw her face-to-face only via Zoom technology, but I knew her well through her many contributions for many years to the journal that I edit, "Issues in Mental Health Nursing." May she rest in peace after her long illness. My condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and former students.
Sandra Thomas, Professor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Jackie Flaskerud
June 12, 2025
This comforts me and I hope it will comfort all of Janna's many friends and family: "Those whom we love and lose are no longer where they were before; they are now wherever we are." Janna's love and presence remain with us in our memories, thoughts, and hearts. They are not gone but live on in the connections and experiences we share.
Annette Zavala Idar
June 12, 2025
Dr. Lesser was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering commitment, profound wisdom, and inspiring guidance have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to have met her. She will be deeply missed, but her influence will never be forgotten.
Ludivina Hernandez
June 12, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. May the love and support of those around bring you comfort during this time.
Loreni´s Husband
June 12, 2025
Peace not pecans unless those are her favorites.
Loreni´s Husband
June 12, 2025
Such a beautiful reminder of the life you shared with Mom. It´s been such a long grind for her and you and your family these past years. But Mom and daughter showed their true colors of Love Strength and Family . My heart and soul are holding you strong. We love you Rebel. Pecans has come to Mom! Now as you heal let her strength be within you when you need it most
Elisabeth de la Rosa
June 11, 2025
Rebecca
June 11, 2025
Lark A. Ford
June 11, 2025
To the family of Janna Lesser: "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal". I will remember Janna for her brilliance and passion in teaching and mentoring both students and faculty. My deepest sympathy. Always, Lark A. Ford
Rebecca
June 11, 2025
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