Jean Sebastian (nee: Harris), 76 years of age, passed away at her home on December 13th, 2024, of natural causes.  Born in Amherst, Ohio on October 1st, 1948, she was raised on the family farm in Pittsfield Township.  Jean had made her home in Elyria for the past 50 plus years alongside her beloved husband, Dave, until his passing on Oct. 28, 2023.

Jean was a 1966 graduate of Oberlin High School.  She furthered her education attending the Oberlin School of Commerce, where she first met Dave.  Jean was extraordinarily intelligent and excelled in all she put her mind to.

Jean led a distinguished career as an executive secretary holding positions at Gilford Instruments/CIBA Corning and Tappan Corporations.  Jean eventually ventured into the media field advocating for better mental health and reduced stigma. She served as Director of Development and Worldwide Outreach at Lichtenstein Creative Media, which required frequent and numerous trips to New York City.  She also worked as an associate producer on several award-winning PBS and radio documentaries including the film “West 47th Street” that garnered a prestigious Peabody Award. Jean’s longtime colleague, mentor and friend, owner Bill Lichtenstein, shared: “Jean’s work was instrumental in pioneering and creating media that fostered a deeper understanding of mental health issues.”  Jean’s family was so proud of her but she always remained very humble about her achievements and contributions.

Jean’s passion for service extended beyond her professional life. She was an active volunteer at the Elyria Public Library, where she shared her love of books and learning. She was deeply devoted to her Christian faith, finding fellowship and worship at several churches in her community.

Jean loved nature, swimming, reading, and capturing family memories through videos.  She spent many years in 4-H, raising and showing horses, which she instilled and passed on this love to her younger sisters.  Jean was particularly fond of Mystic, a horse that held a special place in her heart, as did her beloved pets, her dog Willie and Frosty the parakeet.

Jean was a communicator with the friendly demeanor to form deep connections and lasting friendships everywhere she went. Her kind heart, enduring faith, and zest for life will be forever missed by those who knew and loved her.  

Survivors include her loving siblings, Caroline Harris of Elyria, Dianne Mahar (Tim, deceased) of Amherst and Linda Harris of Oberlin; her beloved nieces, Marci Murphy (Mike), Chrissa Yuhas (Jon Davisson), Lindsey Mahar (Chris Lockridge) and Ashley Yuhas (Chuck Copp); her great nieces, Addison and Harper Murphy, and McKenzie and Riley Copp.

She was preceded in death by her husband and best friend David Andrew Sebastian; her brother Bob Harris; and her parents, Warren and Helen Harris (nee: Simashkevich).

A service celebrating Jean’s life will be held at the Hempel Funeral Home in Amherst, Ohio, beginning with visitation at 10am, on Saturday, December 21st until the time of Funeral Services at 12 PM. Burial to follow at the New Russia Township Cemetery in Oberlin, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to a charity of your choice.