Janet Sarbaugh

1951 - 2024

Janet Sarbaugh
Born: November 23, 1951 in Milwaukee, WI
Died: October 11, 2024 in Barrington, IL
Janet Sarbaugh, 72 of Crystal Lake, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2024, with her husband and two sons by her side, following a courageous 18-month battle with cancer.
Jan met her husband, Bill, on a blind date that neither would forget-especially after they got stuck in her apartment building's elevator! Two years later, on October 30, 1976, they were married in Milwaukee, WI.
Jan is survived by her two sons, Kurt Sarbaugh (Tracy Hankins Sarbaugh) and Todd Sarbaugh (Carina Tonucci Sarbaugh), both of Northbrook, Illinois. She was a devoted grandmother to Brayden, Evelyn, Marcus, and Scarlett Sarbaugh, who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews whom she adored.
Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Ed and Barbi (Engel) Levi, her parents-in-law, Marvin and June (Hansing) Sarbaugh, her brother-in-law, James Stoll of Phoenix, and her sister-in-law, Lou Grossen of Marengo.
A passionate educator, Jan spent many years as an elementary school teacher and Reading Specialist at South Elementary in Crystal Lake. Her dedication to her students and colleagues was evident in the numerous roles she took on, including mentoring fellow teachers and leading professional development workshops in District 47. Jan's love for teaching was matched only by her love for the students she nurtured.
Outside of teaching, Jan found time to coach park district soccer and was an enthusiastic supporter of her sons' many sports endeavors. She was also an avid tennis player at the Crystal Lake Racquet Club and an active member of the Crystal Lake Country Club, where she served as president of the Ladies Golf League and participated in various roles. Jan and Bill even claimed victory in a few Husband/Wife Golf Championships together.
Jan's sense of adventure and giving spirit extended far beyond her local community. She volunteered as an instructor with the English as a Second Language program at MCC and as a dental assistant in remote areas of Panama. From hiking and camping in the Grand Canyon for her 68th birthday to sailing along the River Danube, Jan always sought out new experiences, and her zest for life was contagious.
With her warm personality, bright smile, and natural ability to connect with others, Jan was loved by everyone who knew her. Her kindness, compassion, and generosity will be missed deeply by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.
A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, October 18, from 4pm until a service at 7pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance or JourneyCare Hospice, in honor of Jan's courageous fight.