Janna N. Sears

Janna Noreen Sears, 36, a resident of Swanzey, NH and former resident of Gaithersburg, MD, passed away peacefully at her parents’ home, surrounded by her family on Sunday, August 2, 2015, following an eleven month struggle and heroic battle with cancer.

She was born June 9, 1979, in Waterville, ME, the daughter of John “Jack” D. and Letricia “Tricia” (Tobey) Sears. She was a 1997 graduate of Keene High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Religious Studies from Drew University in Madison, NJ.

Her passion and drive in her career came from her unwavering devotion to animals. In her own life, she was blessed with many four-legged companions: the most recent including her dog: Milo; her cat: Willow, whom she rescued from the wreckage of Hurricane Katrina; and her newest companion, Lily, the cat, who stayed by her side during the final days of Janna’s journey. For 12 years, Janna was a dedicated staff member of Humane Society International (HSI), a global animal protection organization. As HSI’s International Office Coordinator, Janna enabled hundreds of colleagues around the globe to carry out their own vital animal protection work. She was mission-driven and professional in her efforts to help the organization to expand its work. She was most proud of her successful work in building and growing HSI - Latin America. In that case, she not only raised funds for the entity, but supported the staff there and spent time in Costa Rica working directly with the HSI wildlife animal rescue team.

Humor and a warm spirit drove her. Janna enjoyed spending time with her family, especially during the holidays when she would often prepare a gourmet dinner.

She and her older brother Brett had a special kinship which was exemplified in their card giving, singing 80’s songs, and good-natured joking whenever they were together. She loved spending time with her nieces and watching them grow. Children always had a special place in her heart and Janna enjoyed baking, picking berries and playing beauty parlor with Priscilla and Lydia. A talent for baking resulted in Awesomecakes, where Janna sold delicious vegan and gluten-free cupcakes, cakes, and pies. Janna and her roommate spent many hours watching and discussing favorite TV series and movies. Janna’s contagious belly laugh, coupled with a warm hug, defined her. Both family and friends alike will miss her special gifts.

She is survived by her parents: John “Jack” and Letricia “Tricia” Sears of Swanzey, her brother: Brett Sears and his wife Katie of Markham, ON, two nieces: Priscilla G. Sears and Lydia F. Sears, her maternal grandmother: Roberta G. Tobey, “Nanny” of Palermo, ME, her paternal grandmother: Norma S. Sears “Grannie” of Horseheads, NY, aunts: Noreen T. Golden and her husband Peter, Jill C. Tobey and her husband William McFarland, Jane E. Burke and Aletha Sears, uncles: Robin K. Tobey and his wife Barbara, Glenn W. Sears, Jr. and his wife Judy, and Thomas E. Sears, eleven cousins: Tobey, Ben, Brandy, Ethan, Nolan, Andrew, Deidre, David, Brandy, Danielle and Kevin, extended family members and friends, and her close friend and roommate, Meghan Martin of Gaithersburg, MD. She is predeceased by her maternal grandfather: J. Kempton Tobey “Bumpa”, her paternal grandfather: Glenn W. Sears, Sr. “PopPop”, and her uncle: David E. Sears.

A Celebration of Janna’s life will be held at the Monadnock Covenant Church, Base Hill Road, Keene, NH on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 2pm. There will be no calling hours. Burial will be private. A Memorial Service in Gaithersburg, MD, will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made to Humane Society International in Janna's name.

Please send to: Humane Society International

2100 L St NW, Washington, DC 20037 - Attention Carol England