Jane Pusa

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Jane M. Pusa, nee Rujawitz, 74, of Belleville, IL, born June 4, 1945, in Belleville, IL, died Friday, March 13, 2020, surrounded by her family at her residence.

Jane was an alderman for the city of Belleville. She was a lifelong member of St. Mary Catholic Church. She was active in many civic and community organizations such as Art on the Square, Belleville Community Development, Belleville Christkindlmarkt, Lindenwood Belleville, and for many years part of Mothers Club. Jane sold furniture for 25 years and never forgot a customer. She was incredibly active in her children and grandchildren’s lives and is lovingly remembered by many Althoff graduates for the free pizza she would give out at the end of lunch hour. Jane never met a stranger because when she met someone, they were instantly friends. She was known by many names – Jane, Sam, Mom, Alderman Pusa and most importantly Nana. Her high energy, outgoing nature, and positive personality will be missed by all. She loved her rescue dog “Johnson” and they enjoyed bacon every morning and an ice cream sandwich after dinner for dessert every night. Everyone who knew her loved her many “Janeisms”. Her life was “never a dull moment” wondering “are we crazy?” while always loving her friends and family and asking “you want a beer? I’ll take one too.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold L. and Marie, nee Wasser, Rujawitz.

Surviving are her husband, David W. Pusa, Sr.;
her children, David W. Jr. (Laura) Pusa,
Suzanne A. Pusa-Soehnlin (Brian Soehnlin),
and Julie (Kevin) Frady;
six grandchildren, Jeremy Soehnlin, Natalie Soehnlin,
William Fessel, Jack Pusa, Annie Pusa, and Andrew Pusa;
and two brothers, Arnold (Peggy) Rujawitz and Richard (Bonnie) Rujawitz.

In memory of Jane Pusa, memorials may be made to the Franklin Neighborhood Community Association for the Jane Pusa Summer Camp Scholarship Fund, to the City of Belleville Parks and Recreation Department for a memorial park bench or tree in a Ward 2 park, or to the Gateway Pet Guardians. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial have been postponed and will be held at a later date.

 

Condolences:

28 Comments on Jane Pusa

Eileen Hagan said : Guest Report Apr 05, 2020 at 3:18 PM

Condolences to Dave and the entire family - I had heard she was ill. Sam always had a smile on her face and a jovial laugh just behind. Will never forget the 1982 World Series Parade we attended with my sister Jackie Antoine and Sam and me with all of our kids. Good memories. God bless

  • Belleville
  • IL
Elizabeth Wissbaum said : Guest Report Mar 27, 2020 at 8:40 PM

I just came across this doing a search online for something else. I am so very sorry to hear this! I met Jane several times in her role as Alderman and really enjoyed chatting with her! I only wish I had lived in her ward. My heart goes out to all of you...

  • Belleville
  • IL
Linda E Doerr said : Guest Report Mar 24, 2020 at 7:10 PM

Dear Pusa Family: I'm very sorry to hear about Janie. Russell and I have wondered how she was doing. As we were going through family history, we realized we hadn't seen very many relatives lately. Our prayers are with the family. May some day we can get in touch with you. Love cousins Russell Schleicher and Linda Schleicher Doerr

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Susan & Jim Wiegers said : Guest Report Mar 20, 2020 at 4:31 PM

Dear Pusa & Rujawitz families, Our sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you now. May you find consolation in knowing that others care for your loss.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Karol (Junker) Shadle said : Guest Report Mar 18, 2020 at 6:40 AM

Mr. Pusa and Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Sam’s laugh and her beautiful outlook on life. She was a special person. May you find comfort in your memories. Thoughts and prayers from the children of Dave and Sharron Junker.

  • Overland Park
  • Ks
Margie Schwartz said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2020 at 7:19 PM

Dear David and children, My heart reaches out to all of you, we have lost a dear friend... dear Sam! My prayers and love to all.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Katie Hasenstab said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2020 at 7:05 PM

Sam, your smile, our laughs, our memories. Always in my heart. Katie

  • Tigard
  • Oregon
Laura Hattan said : Guest Report Mar 17, 2020 at 6:57 PM

You are all very much on my mind this week. I loved talking with Jane. The last time I talked to her up town on the square she talked all about Drew and how proud she was of him and what great parents you are to have such a wonderful son. I love teaching Drew and will be praying all week for all of you!!!!!

  • Swansea
  • IL
Barbie Duncan said : Guest Report Mar 16, 2020 at 10:21 PM

Pusa Family, We are so saddened to hear of Sammy’s passing. Please know that memories of her have left us with not only smiles on our faces but in our hearts as well. ? Prayers for all of you. ~The Sax Family

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Steve Knefelkamp said : Guest Report Mar 16, 2020 at 7:52 PM

My deepest sympathy to Dave Pusa and kids of Jane as well as to Gabby and Rich for the loss of your wife, mother and sister. Jane was a wonderful woman and always had a kind greeting. God bless you all through this most difficult time.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Juanita Donlin said : Guest Report Mar 16, 2020 at 6:20 PM

My thoughts and prayers are with Jane’s family. Many wonderful memories from high school and the many class reunions. Jane will be missed by many friends.

  • Gahanna
  • Ohio
Julie Frady (Jane’s Daughter) said : Guest Report Mar 16, 2020 at 2:59 PM

UPDATE: Due to risks associated with the spread of Covid-19, and for the health and welfare of everyone, we are postponing Mom’s visitation and mass to a later date TBD. After careful thought and consideration we realized given the tremendous impact mom has had on everyone around her, there was no feasible way to limit her service or visitation to under 50 people. We intend to hold a celebration of life and mass of Christian burial as soon as the restrictions are lifted and it is safe for everyone. We will update everyone as soon as that date is determined. ❤️

  • Belleville
  • IL
Carole Jones said : Guest Report Mar 16, 2020 at 8:19 AM

I knew Jane because of my dad, Don Jones. However, I would on occasion see Jane around town. She was always willing to chat. She will be missed by many, but especially by family.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Jim & Carol Cange said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2020 at 4:51 PM

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jane was a great lady and friend.

  • nashville
  • il
Dale Blaes said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2020 at 4:04 PM

Gabby and Rich, please accept my sympathy in the loss of your sister. Remember her from time was at you house. May She Rest In Peace

  • Marrisa
  • iL
Dale Blaes said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2020 at 4:04 PM

Gabby and Rich, please accept my sympathy in the loss of your sister. Remember her from time was at you house. May She Rest In Peace

  • Marrisa
  • iL
Gary Schneider said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2020 at 2:50 PM

My deepest sympathy to the Pusa and Rujawitz family on "Sams" passing. Have many great memories of growing up in the neighborhood with Jane and her brothers. One wonderful lady. Rest in peace Jane.

  • Springfield
  • IL
Joyce wells said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2020 at 2:14 AM

Jane was alderwoman in my ward. Always caring. A wonderful loving person. So proud of her family. I will miss talking to her on phone and at my home. A lovely sweet person .God bless. Can't be there because of age,85,but will be praying for all of you.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois's
Christie Conard said : Guest Report Mar 15, 2020 at 12:44 AM

Deepest sympathy to the family. Jane sold me the couch for my first house 28 years ago! I never forgot her or that pleasant experience. May she RIP.

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Gregory and Mary Anne Warnecke said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 11:32 PM

ur sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of Jane. She will always be remembered by us for her sparkle and her tireless energy, as well as her enduring faith. She now rests with God in eternal light.

  • Belleville
  • IL
David and Pamela Cresswell said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 11:02 PM

Your words captured the essence of Janie. A beautiful soul that was loved by all who met her and that twinkle in her eye, oh did it Sparkle So. She was such a blessing to meet and we know that anybody lucky enough to be around her for any. Of time walked away with a smile from ear-to-ear oh, that is what she did to people. She gave love to everybody. We are sending prayer to all the family and friends of this dear angel. We are with you in spirit from Texas. Love to you all.

  • Hondo
  • Texas
Michael Herndon said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 10:52 PM

Our hearts go out to the entire Pusa family. I will always have fond memories of Davy’s mom. Such an amazing and joyful person. She will be missed.

  • San Diego
  • California
Sharon Ogden said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 10:37 PM

When I first met Jane, her personality was awesome. Then found out we were distant cousins. When I got to her to come to Alice's Place monthly to promote part of their history, she was right there. She was such an important positive flow of energy to so many. Hopefully we will all be crazy because of her love for others.

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Debra Pierce said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 10:17 PM

Rest In Peace Jane.. I will always remember your smile every time we spoke at a chamber event.. My condolences to your family!

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Kathy Gomerac said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 8:33 PM

Dave, Your mom was an awesome lady, she was loved by many, she will be missed greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Chuck and Mary Smith said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 7:07 PM

Dave and Family, Our deepest sympathy to all of you. May God bless you all. Chuck and Mary Smith

  • Belleville
  • Illinois
Heller said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 6:53 PM

Some people are just more brightly lit. Jane was a beacon, and the world was lucky to have her. Much love, Laura

  • Collinsville
  • IL
Eileen Ruhmann-Curran said : Guest Report Mar 14, 2020 at 4:47 PM

Many prayers and hugs to the USA and Rujawitz families. Jane's Mother, Marie, and my Mother, Rosanna Hemmer - Ruhmann, were 1st cousins.

  • Waterloo
  • IL

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