Diane Helen Janczewski (nee Szczepanik), mother and the matriarch of her family, was born in Detroit, Michigan over 99 years ago to two Polish immigrants, and grew up immersed in Polish-American life in Hamtramck. She briefly attended Wayne State University, where she met a new immigrant in the cafeteria, struggling to communicate in his new country’s language. She eventually married George (Jerzy) Janczewski, and served by his side as a military wife for close to 30 years. When they divorced in 1980, she led the successful effort to lobby Congress to grant military benefits to former spouses, and became a founding member of the organization Ex-Partners of Servicemembers for equality (Ex-POSE). She and George remained close until his passing.

Diana was a proud implementer of the Dewey Decimal System, serving as a librarian at the Air Force Academy, in Germany, and eventually retired from the Fairfax County Library system where she was well known for her welcoming smile and endless energy. She was an avid sports fan, starting with baseball games with father, she loved her Detroit Lions, Washington Nationals, and Redskins/Commanders. She was an amazing tailor, she could fix anything, and pinch a mean pile of pierogi.

Many who knew her will remember her as a gracious host to her friends and partners’ colleagues, and as a “second mother” to her children’s childhood and adult friends. As a working mom, she exemplified a work ethic that was contagious. She travelled, entertained, and loved fervently, and inspired those around her to do the same.

She is preceded by her long-term relationship with Dennis A. Clark. She is survived by her children Mark G. Janczewski, Jolanda N. Janczewski, and Dianne N. Janczewski; her grand daughters, Marcella A. Janczewski, Andrea J. Matten, and Roxanne J. Matten; and her adopted daughter, Barbara Malisz.

She will hold our hearts forever.

Visitation will be held at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Rd., Fairfax, VA on Friday, December 13 from 6-8 p.m. Funeral service will be held at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home on Saturday, December 14 at 1 p.m. For those unable to join in person, the service will be livestreamed via the link below.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Diana's name to the Fairfax Library Foundation www.fairfaxlibraryfoundation.org/diana-janczewski-tribute