Obituaries
Jean Rarig, 74
January 27, 2025
Jean Rarig, 74, of Willow Valley Communities passionate teacher, mother, and wife, passed on January 27. Born in 1951 to Bill and Gloria (Shultz) Steinman. Jean is survived by her husband of 51 years, Larry Rarig, 2 daughters Melissa (Jon) Gordon of Millersville, Stefani (Miguel) Berna-Inzua of Sparks Nevada, 2 grandchildren, a brother Gary (Christine) Steinman of Danville, and sister, Lynn Gillespie of Danville, She was preceded in death by a granddaughter Alexandra Obetz and her brother-in-law Andy Gillespie.
Jean graduated from Danville High School and then Mansfield University with a BS in elementary education.
She enjoyed reading historical fiction, loud music and dancing, particularly Motown.
Jean taught children and adults in a variety of settings and a variety of topics; GED, Reading specialist, and English Language Learners. Her last job was where she found her passion in the Warwick school system. She often said it was the most difficult but also the most rewarding job of her career.
Jean was an advocate for all minorities. No matter the color, religion, or sexual orientation, all humans deserved and received her love and support. At Warwick she was an ELL teacher. Refugee families would arrive typically through a local church. No one in the family spoke English or had any idea of the American culture. She quickly became the advocate for these kids and their families in the school system. Most communications from the school to these families went through Jean! She had a unique ability to communicate, and they all loved her for it. Lots of interesting experiences occurred. One of her students was going on a field trip and was told to bring his lunch in a brown paper bag. The next day, exactly as he was told, he arrived with a huge brown grocery bag. Inside was his lunch box with all its Tupperware containers. Jean explained to the teacher she got just what she asked for!
She believed in experiences for her kids and over the summer took them places, Knoebels, the shore, Camden Aquarium, the circus. Once when she planned a trip to the Washington zoo for several of her kids, Jean showed up at a home to explain the itinerary only to find entire families there. They all wanted to go. And so they did in a 19 passenger van we rented. Nothing was too much for her kids.
After retiring, Jean volunteered with the same school for the pure joy of teaching.
In retirement, Jean was introduced to a refugee family new to Lancaster with 3 elementary-aged daughters that knew no English. Every night after school she would work with them on homework. All three are now in college doing super. Jean was so proud of them. And the mother, Jeans best friend, has become the go to problem solver for new refugees. Jean was so thrilled to see these folks thrive. She always felt she received more than she gave through her work.
Jean wanted to be sure to publicly thank the staff at Ann B. Barshinger Cancer institute for their care, love, and support in making her daunting battle with cancer bearable. Also, thanks to Hospice for moving so quickly which made her final few days tolerable.
As her last act of caring, we are establishing a college scholarship endowment for ELL students in the Warwick School District in Jean’s name. Rather than flowers please consider contributing to Jean Rarig English Language Learner Fund – Lancaster County Community Foundation
A celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family at a future date.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
March 02, 2025
It was an honor to know Jean. The impact that she made on our daughter Itzia’s life is everlasting. She supported Itzia through her studies and attended her wedding in 2022. We are grateful for her love and passion for teaching.
Nikki and Ramon Rivera
March 02, 2025
Jean Rarig always have a beautiful smile she was a kind person. Her passion to teach English was extraordinary. I know jean is in a better place smiling down on us and taking care of her family. I love you Jean rarig
Itzia velez Rivera
February 15, 2025
Just heard of the loss of your wife. I will hold you in my thoughts and prayers. Cherish the memories of a life well lived. Dottie from the Nook Line Dance class
February 14, 2025
Dear Larry and Family,
Such a lovely tribute to a lovely person. I taught with Jean at the AEC (IU 13) and know how devoted she was to her Adult Education students. She loved all her students and they were lucky to have her.
Colleen Fry
February 12, 2025
Dear Larry and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Jean was a wonderful example of love and service to her students. I admired her dedication and continued work even after “retirement”. She will be missed by many. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim and Patty Glatfelter
February 10, 2025
Larry and family,
We are just getting back from vacation and saw that Jean had passed. We are so sorry for your loss. Jean was a special lady and will be sorely missed by a lot of people. She touched many lives and is fondly remembered by us. You have our deepest sympathies.
Sue and Bill Clemo
February 09, 2025
Jean was a wonderful caring person and teacher. She had a smile and kind word for everyone. Her passion for her students and their success was obvious in the way she interacted with the students, their families, and staff at the schools. She only wanted the best and demonstrated that every day. Condolences to Larry, her daughers, grandchildren, and family. One last noble gesture was to esablish a scholarship for students. Thank you, Jean. We were truly blessed to have her in Warwick. Beth Wade
February 09, 2025
Jean is remembered as a dear friend with an infectious laugh. Jean was always willing to help. Fond memories of our church family as young parents, taking the children to the pool (almost daily during the summer) and providing support to one another. Jean is making someone smile today. Thank you for your friendship all of those years ago. What an incredible life you have led.
Allen and Dorinda Barley
February 09, 2025
Dear Larry and Family, We cherish the memories we had of Jean while we all attended Covenant UMC. Jean and I discovered early on our mutual love for teaching ESL students and shared stories. Our thoughts and prayers will be with all of you.
Suzanne Kresge
February 06, 2025
Over multiple decades of friendship, we grew to love Jean. And so, her joy filled spirit will be with us always. In this way, we are blessed. Thank you Jean.
With love, Brad and Louise Garris
February 06, 2025
Jean was wonderful, loving, and passionate. I remember, I would get super excited to go to her ESL class because she always made the class fun and enjoyable. As hard as learning English was, she made it possible for her students to catch on and learn fast. She was encouraging and supportive from the moment I entered her class to the minute I opted out. It was an honor to have met a kind hearted person like herself.
Mu Thyu Wah
February 05, 2025
Jean was a delight. She always was so kind to her students and truly cared about them. I was honored to have worked with her. Heaven has gained an angel.
Cathy Gelatka
February 05, 2025
Having knowan Jean only a few short years as a neighbor, quickly turned into a friendship.
RIP
Pat & Ron
