Rosann Yanis

Rosann graduated from Pershing High School and received a BA in Education from Eastern Michigan University and an MA from Saginaw Valley State University. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, William H. Yanis for 47 years until his passing in October of 2008. They lived together in Warren, Michigan for 30 years before retiring and relocating to Sarasota, FL in 1990.

Rosann is survived by her three children, Matthew (Pamela) Yanis of Sarasota, FL; Laura (Thomas) Dabaldo of Birmingham, MI; and Georgia (Jason) Sailers of Atlanta, GA. She is also survived by four grandchildren: Michael Yanis, Mark Yanis, Adam Dabaldo and Anna Rose Dabaldo. She is also predeceased by her brother, James Renkiewicz Jr.

Rosann was so much more than an adoring wife, wonderful mother and grandmother, and top-notch educator – she was a beautiful and unique woman with a generous heart who touched everyone she met.

As an elementary school teacher in the Warren Consolidated School district for over 20 years, she was most energized by the fifth and sixth grade gifted children she taught. Nicknamed “Yardstick Yanis,” she ran a tight ship but was loved by all. Her mantra both in the classroom and in life was, “plan your work, and work your plan.” She maintained life-long friendships with many of her co-workers at Wilde Elementary School.

Rosann was an avid gardener. Having spent her summers in Owosso, MI where her maternal grandfather’s grain elevator was located, she was somewhat of a farm-girl at heart.

Rosann was very creative, both with the written (often witty) word and secretly with paint and canvas. She was a generous supporter and lover of the arts, specifically the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Ringling Museum of Art, and the symphony, opera, and ballet in Sarasota.

In recent years, Rosann’s passion was directed to the Christ Child Society of Sarasota, whose focus both locally and nationally is children. She was a member for a few short months before she was elected President and is largely responsible for growing the Sarasota chapter and extending its outreach in preschool literacy. The loving friendships she fostered through this organization lifted her up as she grieved the loss of her husband, and further supported her as she battled lymphoma and other health issues.

More than anything, Rosann was capable of the deepest and most steadying kind of love and will forever be missed by her family and friends. We know that she is at peace and in the hands of Lord and in the arms of her beloved husband.

In honor of Rosann, donations can be made to Christ Child Society of Sarasota, 2025 Calusa Lakes Blvd., Nokomis, FL 34275.

Memorial masses, both in Sarasota and Michigan, will be held at a future date.