Jeannine Ostrognai Vilamaa

Jeannine Ostrognai Vilamaa, 75, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed peacefully at her residence with family by her side on Saturday, August 26, 2023. She was born to the late Lester and Violet Smith and raised with her brother and three sisters in Ligonier, Indiana. Jeannie will be forever cherished by her loving husband and best friend, Kari; son, Ty (Luz Piedad) Ostrognai; stepsons, Kris (Michelle) Vilamaa and Nik (Lucy) Vilamaa; grandchildren, Dylan Ostrognai, Dawson Vilamaa, Dalaney Vilamaa, Daylor Vilamaa, Dauren Vilamaa, Kalle Vilamaa, Jaclyn Brown, Clayton Beachy, Collin (Kaitlyn) McInnish, Caitlin McInnish; and great grandson, Carter McInnish. She is also survived by her dear sister, Kathy (Don) Holsinger. She was preceded in death by parents, Lester and Violet Smith; brother, Patrick McDonald; and sisters, Charlene Birch and Ardith Keister. Jeannie had a true passion for experiencing the world. She traveled to five continents, visited 40 countries while spending countless hours in over 100 different airports. Reading and lifelong learning were always important to Jeannie. After retirement from a successful career at GTE, she earned a Bachelor of Science academic honors diploma from Indiana University. Jeannie volunteered for the Northeastern Indiana CASA program where she proudly and zealously advocated for the children under her watch. She brought a warm smile to the faces of the many people who were very special to her. Many afternoons and evenings were enjoyed watching IU basketball or attending children’s and later grandchildren’s sports and activities. Summers were spent at Syracuse Lake and winters in Estero, Florida having fun times entertaining family and friends. Lots of cards, Aggrevation (the game), and Sequence were played. She thoroughly enjoyed the many special occasions and celebrations. Reading, music, and dancing brought great pleasure to Jeannie throughout her life. Jeannie will be missed by all of her cherished family and special friends. Funeral service will be 11:00 am on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with visitation one hour prior. Visitation will also be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. In lieu of flowers, the family’s preferred memorials are Northeastern Indiana CASA in Albion, Indiana, Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana, or Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne. Condolences and memories of Jeannie may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com.