JEANNINE OSTROGNAI VILAMAA, 75, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed peacefully at her residence with family by her side on 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 survived by her dear sister Kathy (Don) Holsinger and was preceded in death by parents Lester and Violet Smith, brother Patrick McDonald, sister Charlene Birch and sister 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.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, September 5th, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, September 6th at Greenlawn Funeral Home at 6750 Covington Road. Funeral service and celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 6th, immediately following the morning visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family’s preferred memorials are Northeastern Indiana CASA Albion,Indiana, Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana and Catholic Charities of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Condolences and memories of Jeannie may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com