Janne Valerie Ward(Galazka)

She was born on January 23, 1994, in Jacksonville, North Carolina. Janne’ embraced herself as an American-St. Lucian. Though her life began in North Carolina, Janne’ was well traveled as early as 4 months she lived in St. Lucia for 6 months. Elementary, Middle and High Schools were attended in South Carolina, Florida, Connecticut, Maine and Virginia. Janne’ appreciated the exposure and felt that it contributed to her adaptability in all environments. Janne’ graduated with an Advanced Diploma from Woodside High School in Newport News, Virginia. She then graduated from Tidewater Tech in Norfolk, Virginia where she earned her Automotive Technician Certification and was immediately hired by Firestone Complete Auto Care, where she worked for approximately 10 years both in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Memphis, Tennessee. She also worked temporarily for Ideal Image but then returned to the Automotive Career Field. Janne’s hard work and impressive automotive experience contributed to her employment as a Senior Service Advisor for Tesla in Memphis TN.

Janne’s passion outside of work was playing pool. She became a member American Poolplayers Association (APA) league in Memphis, Tennessee playing for two teams called Sharpshooters and The Replacements. They won Division 8-Ball and 9 Ball Tri-Cup Championships. Playing pool was Janne’s escape as she battled cancer, she played till she couldn’t physically anymore, she loved her pool family. The APA recognized her as MVP in 8-Ball in the Fall 2024 Session. Janne’ also enjoyed doing makeup tutorials for social media and was a great self-taught make-up artist and was always super excited to share with her family each time she received positive feedback or requests to make content from premium makeup brands. Janne’s talent was a huge inspiration for her younger siblings.

She is preceded in death by her baby sister, Angel Galazka, grandfathers Fenton George and John Ward II, Step grandmother Martha George (Sealy) and great grandmother Beatrice Callender (Mumbee).

She is survived by her mother, Nadine Galazka, step father (aka STAD of 20 years) Adam Galazka; father, John Ward III; sisters, Annah Galazka, Avah Galazka and sister-cousin, Jeanille George. Grandmothers Mary Angela Callender and Sandra Valerie Ward-Seale aka Storm, great-grandmother Lula Mae Spears-Fowler. Uncles Addison and Duane Callender, Dave and Vivian George and Skyleur Joseph. Aunts Heidi Callender, Sharon Callender and Karen Sealy. Great aunts Diana Simon and Sandra Callender. Special cousin Roanna Khan and Sister-in-law Caroline George. Other relatives include aunts, uncles, cousins in St. Lucia, (especially the Callender, Simon, Feveria and Jean families), England, Bermuda, Trinidad, Canada, New York and California (View Park, Antioch, Los Angeles, Merced).

Janne’s life was supported by a village, special mentions: Grandparents in law Zofia and Tadeusz Galazka, aunts in law Sylvia and Anna Galazka. Honorary godmother Jennifer Reddie, honorary aunts Hope Hair, Marie Lionel, Cheryl Longueville, Sacha Reddie, Christine Jean-Charles Williams, Monika Hodgeson, Melanie Allen, Andrene Hall, Stephanie Enriquez, Shanna Gainer, and Carrol Alleyne.

Janne’ had lots of wonderful friends, many were at her side during her battle, special mentions: Yu Kuroiwa, Nicole Luckey, Aaliyah Richmond, Lori Tallent and Benjamin Zeman. “I am always surrounding myself with people who have a positive influence in my personal growth journey and taking time to practice self-love and care” Janne’ V. Ward.

Janne’ was a very generous person. She loved giving gifts, complements and helping others, she took pleasure in supporting small businesses. Janne’ loved God and though there were times during her earthly struggles she was fearful of dying she trusted God’s will for her life and was at peace in the end. Janne’s heart stopped beating shortly after her mom prayed the Rosary and other prayers by her side.

A visitation for Janne will be held Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Mullins & Thompson Funeral Service, 1621 Emancipation Hwy, Fredericksburg, Virginia 22401. A funeral mass will occur Wednesday, April 23, 2025 at 1:30 PM at Saint Mary Of The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1009 Stafford Avenue, Fredericksburg, Virginia with a burial to follow at 2:30 PM at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 3702 Loren Drive, Fredericksburg, Virginia.