Johanna E. Galevi

Johanna Elizabeth Galevi, age 86, of Sylvania, passed away Monday, April 4, 2016. Johanna was born December 27, 1929 in Munich, Germany and lived in nearby Kempton with her adoptive parents, Joseph and Fannie (Greineder) Urban. Johanna met Osman Galevi, a medical student at the University of Munich, and they were married in 1951. Upon completion of Osman's degree, they emigrated through Ellis Island to the United States, where Osman pursued his career as a pediatrician. They eventually settled in Oregon, Ohio, when Osman established his medical practice in Toledo.

Johanna went through a difficult period following Osman's death in 1971, but eventually mobilized her strength and determination to raise her three children as a single mother. She studied early childhood development at Owens Community College and worked as a preschool teacher and a Daycare Licensing Specialist. She returned to the University of Toledo to obtain her Bachelors Degree in Social Work. During her 13 years at Lucas County Children's Services, Johanna specialized in working in Adolescent Outreach. She had a gift for mentoring troubled teens. Following her retirement, she continued as a teaching assistant at Westside Montessori Center. At age 79, Johanna was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Her final home became Sunset Village, where she received the loving care of the staff and Ashanti Hospice caregivers.

Johanna was a beautiful soul and loved by all who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and a trusted friend. Her faith and religion were important aspects of her life. She had a strong spiritual core and loving nature. Johanna was a positive role model for her family and friends, dedicating her life to serving others. She will be dearly missed.

Johanna was also preceded in death by her son, Omar Galevi, who passed away in 1981. She is survived by her son, Emir Galevi, daughter, Miriam (David) Reeves, grandchildren, Amy Reeves, Rachel Reeves, Stephan (Heather) Reeves and Alex and Sarah Galevi, and great-grandchildren, Isabell and Sophie.

The family will receive guests Wednesday, April 6, 2016 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home - NW Chapel, 4150 W. Laskey Rd. (419-473-0300). with services following at 7:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Johanna's memory to Ashanti Hospice or the Toledo Humane Society.

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