Sue Ann Janas

With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of our beloved Sue Ann Janas—a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, treasured aunt, and adoring grandmother—who peacefully departed this life on April 13, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most.

Sue was a gentle soul with a fierce devotion to her family, her friends, and the natural world. Whether hiking through the woods, tending her garden, or simply watching the birds, nature was her sanctuary and her joy. She gave of herself wholeheartedly, volunteering her time to schools, parks, and charities—educating, assisting, and uplifting people of all ages.

Above all, Sue’s greatest joy was her family and friends. As a wife and mother, she gave her children both roots and wings—grounding them in love while encouraging them to soar. As a sister and aunt, she was a steady presence, offering support, loyalty, and laughter. And as a grandmother, she was pure magic: a storyteller, a hugger, a soft place to land, and a maker of beautiful memories.

Her love was unconditional and unwavering—the kind of love that wrapped around you like a warm embrace. Her laughter filled our homes, her wisdom guided our paths, and her kindness lifted us through life’s hardest moments. She had an extraordinary way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and deeply valued.

Sue leaves behind a legacy of love that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her spirit will forever echo in the rustling trees, the whispering wind, and the lives she touched so deeply.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ed; her sons, Jeremy and Bryan; her brother and sister-in-law, Howard and Lauri Sampson; and her nieces, Jennifer Penwell and Erin Crowder. They will carry forward her love, strength, and unwavering belief in the beauty of life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sue’s memory to the East Bay Regional Parks Foundation, where she joyfully volunteered for 19 years.

A celebration of her life will be announced by her family. In honor of Sue’s love for the natural world, the family invites attendees to wear colors of nature and, if they wish, to bring a single flower to place in her memory.