Janet T. Reing (Yurcaba), formerly of Canal Street, Lebanon, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 12 from complications with Alzheimer’s accelerated by asymptomatic Covid-19. She was just 2 months shy of her 74th birthday.
Born to the late Alex Yurcaba and Anna Saylor (neé Gaidos), Janet was the identical twin to her sister, Judy. She was the wife of Thomas John Reing, Jr., to whom she was married for 47 years before his passing. A graduate of Lebanon High School, Janet worked as a secretary at Fort Indiantown Gap and then for Cleaver Brooks. Later she worked for Spang Crest and Family Day Care Homes, both part of Lutheran Social Services. She worked for the Good Samaritan Hospital for over 25 years in the accounts payable department before retiring. She also worked at the Lebanon Bon-Ton part-time in customer service, a job she loved because it brought her in contact with so many people. Janet was blessed with a pure, shining, positive spirit. Even in the most difficult of times, she was able to find silver linings and grace in the struggle. She was quick with her kindness, tender of heart, and wild with compassion. Her empathy would move her to cry happy tears when something “touched her heart,” which occurred often. But she dearly loved to laugh, and even when she was the subject of good-natured, loving teasing, she was a good sport and would double over and belly laugh. She was steadfast and devoted to her Catholic faith, and held a special affection for the Virgin Mary, the Holy Family, St. Jude, and St. Thérèse the Little Flower. She was a member of the former St. Gertrude’s parish and later St. Cecilia’s parish.
Janet was creative and enjoyed crafting, crochet, embroidery, and counted cross-stitch. She served as Den Mother in the St. Mary’s Cub Scouts, a Girl Scout Leader for the St. Mary’s Troop, and as a Marching Band Booster for the Lebanon Catholic High School Band. She loved 7 and 7s, Pierce Brosnan, consignment shops, antiquing, “cutesy things,” gallivanting with the girls, brunch, costume dramas, yellow roses, hearts, Victorian illustrations and art, angels, pinochle, forget-me-nots, family parties and gatherings, pretty gift wrapping, Notre Dame football, Bailey’s on ice, a good pretzel, dancing, and just talking and connecting with people. She was a snappy dresser and loved a good statement pin. Trips to Rome, Germany, and Ireland were highlights of some of her travels.
Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014, Janet spent the last four years of her life living at Woodbridge Place Assisted Living and Memory Care in Phoenixville, PA, where she was able to be visited by her daughter daily, and family members frequently. Even in the haze and confusion of Alzheimer’s, Janet remained positive, friendly, and kind to those around her.
Devoted to and beloved by her family, Janet is preceded in death by her parents, Alex Yurcaba and Anna Saylor; her stepfather, Wallace T. Saylor; step-sister, Debra Kay Saylor; step-brother, Robert Saylor; and her husband, Thomas John Reing, Jr. She is survived by her children, Thomas John Reing III and Katie Ann Reing; her twin sister, Judy Koudriavtceff, and husband, Michael; sister, Carol Spencer; brother, Michael Tamin Yurcaba, and wife, Annie; step-sister, Diane Saylor; brother-in-law, Michael Reing, and wife, Janet; sister-in-law, Mary Reing Earnest, and husband, Kevin; a niece, eight nephews, and many adored cousins.
Due to COVID-19, there will be a private burial to be followed by a memorial service when it is once again safe to gather together. Interment will be at Fort Indiantown Gap Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association of America (alz.org) or St. Cecilia’s parish in Lebanon.
