Anna Stutzman Janzen, passed away at age 74 on March 19th, 2024 surrounded by her family, friends, and neighbors in Newport News, Virginia.
Anna is survived by her husband of 28 years, Jay Milton Janzen; step-daughter Erika Janzen, Kaneohe, HI; step-son Jacob (Tressy) Janzen, Arlington, VA; granddaughter Alyssa (Adam) Picadura and great-daughter Addison Gail Picadura, Honolulu, HI;  sisters, Viola Stutzman, Arthur, IL, Mary Ellen (Danny) Rowe, Louisville, KY, Sarah (Virgil) Kauffman, Arthur, IL; brothers, Willis Stutzman, Arthur, IL, Paul (Carol) Stutzman, Arthur, IL, and Nelson (Karen) Stutzman, Conrath, WI; and, in-laws Lois (Lyle) Preheim, Freeman, SD, Ruthanne (Leo) Heatwole, James Melvin Janzen, Carla (Sherwin) Jacobs all of Harrisonburg, VA; Rebecca Becky (Jack) Fullmer, Nampa, ID, Deanna (Marlo) Kauffman, Goshen, IN, and Margaret (Mustapha) Abderrahmane, Oakland, CA; along with a host of nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her nephew Justin Kauffman, and sister-in-law Betty (Willis) Stutzman.

Anna was born in Arthur, IL on February 23, 1950 to Mr. Levi W. and Mrs. Lydia D. (Yoder) Stutzman and happily grew up on a dairy farm.  Her memories of helping on the farm gave her plenty of material for storytelling.  Following her graduation from Arthur High School, she attended Rosedale Bible Institute in Irwin, OH, and then volunteered as part of the Mennonite Voluntary Service in Jackson, MS.  After her term of service, she resided in Jackson to become a licensed Respiratory Technician. These skills and experiences helped support her through college at the Eastern Mennonite College in Harrisonburg, VA earning a degree in Elementary Education.  She felt called to service as a teacher at the Warwick River Christian School in Newport News and her loving spirit, gentle voice, and infectious humor endeared her to hundreds of school children and their parents, giving her delight as a teaching professional.

She joined the Huntington Mennonite Church and found life-long Christian love and support from the congregation.  Their encouragement helped her to pursue a degree in a Masters of Arts of Theological Studies (MATS) at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, IN. She faithfully used her new found knowledge and training for a life of service. This service included time as a youth minister at Warwick River Mennonite Church and as the Associate Pastor at Huntington Mennonite Church. She also served as a member with the Eastern District of the Virginia Mennonite Conference as well as VMC's Faith and Life Commission.  A highlight of her ministries was baptizing young girls when they came to Christian faith.

Anna was a very engaging, loving, and forgiving wife and friend. She was certainly courageous in undergoing a liver transplant in 2002. The 22 years since then gave her fulfillment in returning to the teaching profession and time to enter pastoral work. As a teacher, understanding her students and individualizing their learning experiences gave her special joy. Her ministry legacy will include be what she believed was the participatory engagement of church members in the life of the church, especially in praise and worship.  Her absence will be keenly felt.

Anna's friendships kept her emotionally balanced through thick and thin, offering a listening ear, words of encouragement, and a shoulder to lean on when needed. These friendships were a source of strength and joy for her, helping her navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience. Whether celebrating achievements or consoling each other during tough times, their bond was unbreakable and filled her heart with gratitude. She knew she was lucky to have such amazing friends by her side, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Visitation is scheduled from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 13th, followed by a celebration of life at the Huntington Mennonite Church, Newport News, VA.

Memorial donations may be directed to the Huntington Mennonite Church or to the Warwick River Christian School.