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.