Funeral Details

Sara Beth Janz

October 11, 1995 - January 1, 2025

SERVICE INFORMATION

Date and Time

Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM

Service

Oak Park Temple
1235 North Harlem Avenue
Oak Park, Illinois 60302
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Clergy

Rabbi Max Weiss
Cantor Emerita Julie Yugend-Green
Oak Park Temple

Interment

Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery
20953 West Hoff Road
Elwood, Illinois 60421
Private Family Interment.
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Shiva

For Shiva information please contact:
Pam Schlossman
847.338.8402
pamschlossman@gmail.com

Memorial Contributions

NATAS Chicago Foundation
Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Columbia College Communication Department
33 East Ida B. Wells Drive, Suite 535
Chicago, Illinois 60605
www.tinyurl.com/natasgive





OBITUARY

Sara Beth Janz, 29.

Beloved wife of Staff Sergeant Darien Jackson. Loving daughter of Roz Varon and Edward Janz. Dear sister of Amy (Neomi Luna) Janz and Brian Janz.

It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Sara Janz, a brilliant and beloved young woman, at the age of 29. Sara’s life was far too short, but her leadership, dedication and compassion will long be remembered by those whose lives she touched.

Sara is the daughter of retired ABC-7 traffic/feature reporter Roz Varon, and she followed in her mom’s footsteps with tireless efforts on behalf of the TV Academy. Sara was instrumental in founding the NATAS Chicago/Midwest Chapter’s Junior Board. It was Sara who recognized the need for a space where younger voices could come together to create meaningful change, and her spirit will continue to guide the junior board’s work for years to come.

A former NATAS Chicago Scholarship recipient, her gratitude for that opportunity never wavered. Through her hard work and dedication, Sara demonstrated the kind of commitment that inspired those around her to strive for excellence. She volunteered her time at countless TV Academy events and helped foster an environment where future leaders can thrive. Sara was, above all, a kind and generous person who touched everyone she met with her warmth and intelligence.

Sara’s passing leaves a void, but her legacy of kindness and leadership will never be forgotten. For all who knew her, Sara was a guiding light, and we are forever grateful for the time we had with her.

Service Tuesday, 11AM at Oak Park Temple, 1235 N. Harlem Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302. There will be a private family burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the NATAS Chicago Foundation – Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Columbia College, Communication Dept., 33 East Ida B. Wells Dr., Ste. 535, Chicago, IL 60605, www.tinyurl.com/natasgive.

To attend the funeral livestream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Chicago Jewish Funerals - Skokie Chapel, 847.229.8822, www.cjfinfo.com.


GUEST BOOK

We encourage you to share your personal condolences and stories of Sara Beth Janz below and we will share them with the family.
*Email and phone numbers will NOT be displayed online


Our thoughts and prayers are with Sara and her family.

Claudio Mendrano
January 5, 2025
We honor Sara's spirit, her strength and her heart.

Dan and Robin Tarragano
January 5, 2025
My deepest condolences for your loss of Sara .
Kind regards
Nancy Reid

Nancy Reid
January 6, 2025
We send our love and comfort to the family

Crick and Alx Galasinao Bowen
January 6, 2025
My heart is so sad for Ed and Roz. Such a loss to you and the world.

Nancy Walker Hoffmsn
January 6, 2025
Our sincere sympathy for all. I am a distant cousin (Nee Bielski) just learning of this sad news.

Jeannette Lawson
January 6, 2025
Ed & family,
Susan & Dean giving our sincere condolences .

Dean Hayes
January 6, 2025
Deepest condolences from the Allen and Wilcox family.

Paula Allen
January 6, 2025
May her memory be a blessing, and may her incredible legacy continue to bring light and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Justin Kulovsek
January 6, 2025
Ed, I’m so sorry to hear of Sara’s passing especially at such a young age. You and I know that Sara has received the highest and greatest promotion in all Creation, which is eternal Life with YHWH for eternity where she is finally whole and without tears or sorrow and filled with Love and Joy that we cannot yet understand. May this understanding and fond memories of life past carry you and Roz through this time of grief and sorrow. You are Loved and prayed for, Robert.

Robert Flores
January 6, 2025
Our deepest sympathies to the family , friend and collegues of Sara ‘s . Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time .

Jolanta Niebuda
January 6, 2025
To Sara's family, your daughter shined such a lovely light on our team at Kirtland. Her smile brightened every room and I'm so sorry she's gone. She wasn't with us very long but we will certainly remember her funny, delightful presence and keep it close. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Jenny

Jennifer Lovett
January 6, 2025
I will forever remember Sara as the beautiful, bright-eyed, inquisitive child who came to the station with Roz every year on Bring Your Daughter to Work Day. My heart breaks for you... sending love and comfort to the entire family.

Judy Hsu
January 6, 2025
My dear friend Ed,
I pretty much am lost for words on Sara's sudden passing. Knowing you and reading all the thoughts and blessings, I feel as though I knew Sara as Someone Special!
My prayers and wishes, and those of my wife, Dee, go out to you and your family during this time of loss and mourning. May the Good Lord welcome Sara to His Kingdom, as I know He will, and may His Peace & Blessings be with you always and with your Family.

Peter Scaltrito
January 6, 2025
I was so delighted when I finally got to meet Sara after hearing Darien talk about her so often at work. I was lucky enough to be a part of Darien’s reelistment where Sarah took the photographs of the event in the Sandia Moutains. She seemed like she really enjoyed getting to capture that special moment for him while being a part of it.

Alyssa Heimerman
January 6, 2025
Dear Ed and Roz,
Sending you my love and deepest sympathy.
My heart aches for you on the loss of beautiful Sara.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With my heartfelt condolences to you.

Janet Karavites
January 6, 2025
My sincere condolences. Sara your beautiful smile will be missed.

Davetta Haywood
January 7, 2025
Dear Roz:
Please know your Baltimore family loves you and are holding you close as you honor Sara and for always. We have so many fond memories of Sara and enjoyed your visit to Baltimore years ago while watching cousins Sara and Yehudit getting to know each other with a million giggles. We are all so saddened by this great loss and are here for you and Pam always. We love you!💕

Debra and Stuart Varon/family
January 7, 2025
I follow Roz Varon on Abc7.com and I would like to convey my sincerest condolences to your family during the most difficult time imaginable.
Praying for all of you!

Cynthia Chapman
January 7, 2025
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your precious daughter. You are in my thought and prayers.

Mary Ann Baer
January 7, 2025
Roz,

I am so so sorry for your loss. Sara truly had a smile like no other. I am sorry for DJ’s loss as well. I was so happy when they re-connected . Such a loss and please accept my condolences!

Karen Carter
January 7, 2025
Sending my condolences on your loss.
Thoughts and prayers being sent.

Amanda Petrick
January 7, 2025
I was heartbroken to hear of Sara's passing. My sincere sympathies are extended to Ed, Roz, Amy, Brian, and all her family and friends.

Eleanor Schneider Wojcik

Eleanor Wojcik
January 7, 2025
My deepest sympathy to Roz, DJ and family on the passing of Sarah. May her kind hearted spirit lift you all up in this most difficult time.

Janice Recio
January 7, 2025
I watch Roz and Sara and all travels on 7 ! I not understand what happened ! Love to everyone
Pat

Pat McCowan
January 7, 2025
We remember how excited Ed was when Sara moved to Albuquerque. Ed’s face always lit up when he spoke about his kids and he was proud of all of them. He was looking forward to getting to spend more time with Sara. We are both heartbroken for your loss.

Heidi & Steve Brittenham
January 7, 2025
DearvRoz and Family-

I'm very sorry the loss of your daughter Sara
I'm in a loss of words. My prayers and love goes out to you and your family.
I remembered you went I went to Windy City Live in 2014.
I always follow you on Facebook and see how the life of love and caring of your daughter.
May she rest in peace and God is always with her .
Lost my mom 23 years ago always thinking of her. Love never dies it's for eternal

Shalom~

MR. Jeffrey Wise

Jeffrey Wise
January 7, 2025
Sending abundant Love, Prayers and Hugs to our sister and friend Roz.🕊🕊🕊 A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL in heaven is now called Sara and she is watching over her beloved parents, husband, family and friends. Wish they had visiting hours in heaven🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 May your Faith be a source of healing and strength during this time of mourning and grief. Sara is with you always 🙏🏽
Roz you are not alone, we are forever family. Condolences and Sympathies shared with love and care. Rest well Sara, you were loved sweet baby 💜💜💜

Cheryl Burton
January 7, 2025
So sorry my condolences

Jennifer avrick
January 7, 2025
Dearest Roz, Today I watched Sara's funeral online and my heart was breaking for you and your family. Even the sight of you holding your dog while speaking of Sara brought me to tears. Even though I haven't seen you in over 50 years, I would think of you often as my parents related news of you to me, including the time they met toddler-aged Sara at some event. While I never had the privilege of meeting Sara, I felt like I knew her through your Facebook posts, including the holiday videos she filmed and your road trip adventures. How happy I was to hear of her marriage and the new life ahead of her. I know you two were incredibly close. As a mother myself, I can't even begin to imagine what you are having to endure. I do know in my heart that Sara has been welcomed by grandma Bea and grandpa Jack with hugs and kisses. I am thinking of you. You are very brave and you are a good mother to Sara.

Glenda Hutchinson
January 7, 2025
Please accept my deepest condolences. Sara was a bright star and beautiful light. I was honored to know her as a child and watched her blossom as a phenomenal young woman. Cherish the special memories and always hold her dear. I will continue to pray for you and your family.

Stacia Crawford
January 7, 2025
Dear Roz,

The news of the passing of your daughter Sara was so shocking. It is hard to envision your future Facebook posts without mention of what mother/daughter activities the two of you were up to. My husband and I are so sorry for your unbelievable loss. May her spirit live on in your many many memories.

Leisa and Steve Braband

Leisa Braband
January 7, 2025
Dear Roz, sending my deepest condolences to you at this most difficult time. Howie would have shared these thoughts as well! Hoping these days ahead get somewhat easier. Fondly, Sandra Shapiro

Sandra Shapiro
January 7, 2025
Dearest Roz. As I watched the service of Sarah my heart aches. I have watched channel 7, and some would say that's the only channel I watch, I have saw Sarah grow up. My prayers are with you and your family and DJ 🙏🙏🙏 we 💕 you Roz. She may be gone from this earth but she lives on through you. Take the time and cry when you feel you need to, it is part of the healing process. I cried too

Susie Wrencher
January 7, 2025
I didn’t know your beautiful daughter or you personally Roz, but I spent weekday mornings with you for years. The love you had for your daughter showed in every way. Know your TV family is here for you as well.

Lisa Lopiccolo
January 7, 2025
I did not know Sara, but I do know what it is like to loose someone you love. My condolences to the entire family. Sara was loved and she made a difference and impacted the lives of so many others - it hurts to love. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends during this trying time. May God bless and strengthen you all. Keeping you in prayer. Chere Hamilton - a Channel 7 News Watcher.

Chere HAMILTON
January 8, 2025
Dear Roz,

What a beautiful service and tribute to a remarkable young lady. Words seem so inadequate at a time like this. Please know we are holding you close in our hearts and praying for peace and comfort for you in the days ahead. We are here for you in any way we can help.

Jill & John

JILL & JOHN DORTCH
January 8, 2025
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your precious daughter Sara. I can not imagine what you are goin through. What a beautiful young woman. May her memory be a blessing🙏🏻

Cynthia Palmer
January 8, 2025
My deepest condolences to ROZ and the family. ROZ thank you for sharing your special gift with us.

Cheryl Turner
January 8, 2025
Roz Varon & Family,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Sara was a bright star and beautiful light. I was honored to know her as young child and I witnessed her blossoming into womanhood. I will continue to pray for you and your family. 💕✨

Carmaine Means

Carmaine Means
January 9, 2025
I was so sad to see this news. Sara was in my first grade class at OPT many years ago. Sending my deepest condolences to her whole family. Mollie

Mollie Bass
January 13, 2025