Jeanne VanAuker Bright 1956-2021

She was born Oct. 4, 1956, to John VanAuker and June Hackathorn VanAuker in Youngstown. She married Larry A. Bright, Oct. 22, 1977.

Jeanne and Larry owned and operated the Western Auto Store in Albion, Pa. from 1977 to 1990. After that, she entered the nursing field as a nurse’s aide, working at various agencies in Erie and Crawford counties. She joined the Albion Volunteer Fire Department in 1993 and became an EMT. She had been a member of Cranesvillle Volunteer Fire Department and an allied member of Edinboro Volunteer Fire Department. At her time of death, she was a current allied member of Springboro Volunteer Fire Department and an active life member of Albion Volunteer Fire Department, and was the current EMS Lt. 27. Jeanne ran EMS calls right up until her illness began in December 2020.

In high school, she was on the rifle team and won the state championship in her senior year, 1975, at Warren Western Reserve High School.

She was involved with Project NEED of Albion. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 22 and was a past worthy matron. She was an auxiliary member of Springfield VFW Post 4965. She was a member of Springboro Station 21 Social Club. She was a member of Edinboro Engine House 39. She was also the mayor of Albion for six years, from 2008-2014. She was an avid loom knitter. She loved her plants and had a vast jungle inside and outside her home. She loved to bake, especially with her grandchildren, and she loved to spend time with her family and friends. You generally could find Jeanne volunteering in the community. She was very active in Albion Volunteer Fire Department and ran many ambulance calls. If you needed something, she was the person that you got a hold of to help you or find out how to help you — she truly was a helper.

She is proceeded in death by her parents, John and June VanAuker.

She is survived by her husband, Larry Bright; four children, Stephanie (Bruce), Robert (Laura), Pamela (Mike) and James (Brianna), and special adoptive son, Austin Bates; 12 grandchildren, Brandon (Ashley), Austin (Leanna), Beckah (Jarrod), Milo, Violette, Krystal, Nate, Mikayla, Lance, John, Bridgette and Jackson; and five great-grandchildren, Madison, Wyatt, Declan, Finn and Olivia. She is also survived by her two fur babies, Sophie and Duke.

Memorials can made to the Albion Volunteer Fire Department, 19 Smock Ave., Albion, PA 16401.

Calling hours will be held 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at the Mattera Funeral Home, 188 E. State St., Albion. A funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Sunday, at the funeral home, with Chaplain David Miles of Promedica Hospice officiating. Burial will follow in Albion Cemetery.

To light a memory candle or leave a condolence, please visit www.matterafuneralhome.com.

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