Janet Kay (Johnson) Philion

Janet Kay Philion, 81, of Galion, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with dementia.

Born on July 18, 1944, in Bowling Green, Ohio, Janet was the daughter of Harry W. and Abby L. (Baker) Johnson. She was one of seven children and the fifth in birth order, growing up in a close-knit family that instilled in her a lifelong devotion to faith, kindness, and putting others first.

Janet graduated from Bowling Green High School in 1962 and went on to attend Bowling Green State University, where she earned her degree in education. She began her career teaching in Michigan before marrying the love of her life, Albert “Al” Philion, on September 6, 1969. Together, they eventually made their home in Galion, where they built a life centered on family, faith, and service. Al preceded Janet in death on December 7, 2024.

In Galion, Janet worked alongside her brother-in-law in his medical practice and later at Crawford County Orthopedic and Galion Hospital. Throughout her career, she served in various roles including office management, billing, and scheduling, quietly keeping things running with her signature diligence, warmth, and care for others.

A devout Catholic, Janet’s faith guided every aspect of her life. She was a longtime member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she found great joy in worship, prayer, and fellowship. Her faith was not only something she practiced, but something she lived daily through her patience, gentleness, and unwavering love for others.

Above all else, Janet was devoted to her family. She was a loving wife of 56 years to her husband Al, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, known for her selflessness, kindness, and warm, welcoming spirit. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren: Carrie and John Jarvis and their children, Abby and Ian; Bob and Jenny Philion and their children, Jackson and Grace; and Amy and Joe Kaluzne and their son, Vinny.

Janet also cherished life’s quiet pleasures, morning coffee, reading, puzzles, and singing with her sisters. She had a lifelong love for animals, especially horses and dogs, and held a special place in her heart for her beloved canine companions. Her gentle, easygoing nature was paired with a quiet strength that carried her through life’s challenges with grace.

She will be remembered as loving, faithful, patient, and kind, truly an angelic presence in the lives of all who knew her.

In addition to her children and grandchildren, Janets’s memories will be cherished by her siblings, Celia (Jaci Aldrich) Johnson and Ken (Karen) Johnson.

She is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Albert, and her siblings, Margaret Fahle, Roger Johnson, Jim Johnson, and Ruth Agee.

Friends may call on Sunday, March 29, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel, 303 Portland Way N., Galion. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 135 N. Liberty St., Galion. Burial will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.

Following the burial, family and friends are warmly invited to gather at the St. Joseph Catholic Church Activity Center for a luncheon and time of remembrance, as Janet’s life and lasting impact are celebrated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Those wishing to share a memory of Janet or extend condolences to the Philion family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.

The Gompf Funeral Service – Galion Chapel is honored to serve the family of Janet Kay Philion.

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