Janice Carstensen Ray

Janice Carstensen Ray “Nana”, age 88, of Dublin, Ohio, passed away on March 1, 2020. Jan was born on February 8, 1932 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to Rosemary Margaret Carstensen “Nana Rose” and William James Carstensen “Banks”. Jan had one brother, William Carstensen, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Penn State, where she participated in Greek life, and where she met her very best friend Margaret Eberhart “Margie”, who preceded in her death. She was married to Horace W. Ray “Bruz” for many years, and they had four children together, William Ray, Melanie Ray Mills, Rosemary Irelan, and Daniel Ray. Jan was always involved in her community, from raising money for charity by putting on plays with her friends in Vaud Villities, teaching guitar lessons in her home, and at the YMCA, being a Colleen for the parades in Dublin, coaching Melanie’s softball team, the “Powder Puffs”, and keeping score at both Rosie and Melanie’s gymnastics meets. Jan helped to run her local polling station, and this year she was coveted with an award for being an outstanding citizen and remarkable individual from the General Assembly of the State of Ohio. She was a successful Realtor for many years, and even when she should have retired, she delivered the local money saver because she enjoyed the interaction with her community and neighbors. She loved to travel, and went to Ireland to explore her Irish roots will her son Bill, and her grandchildren. She was very proud that she kissed the Blarney Stone! Jan is survived by her children William J. Ray (Debbie), Melanie Ray Mills, Rosemary Irelan (Dave), and Daniel Ray, and her grandchildren, Kacy Ray (Travis), Molly Ray (Dan), Natassia Ray Chapman (John), Ellen Ray, Rachel Irelan, Banks Irelan, and Olivia Irelan, and her great grandchildren, Sam, Charlie, and George Chapman, her sister-in-law Paulette Carstensen, her nephews, John Pierre DeBernay (Louise, and their two children), Jack Hankinson (Debbie), Phillip Carstensen (Dawn), and Larry Carstensen (Winifred, and their five children). Her best friends Delores Mareska “Boots”, Josie Cappel, Nancy Schlagel, Ethel & Max Kocheiser, and Diana Livette. Jan enjoyed so many things in her life, but always looked forward to her Outer Banks vacations, her weekly bridge club, family get togethers, sand tart making, piano playing, swimming, crossword puzzles, jeopardy, playing board games, telling stories, and living life to the very fullest. Jan was a woman steeped in tradition, which she passed down to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Nana will be greatly missed by all who loved her so dearly. An Irish wake honoring her wonderful life will be held on Friday, March 13, 2020 from 5-11pm at Melanie’s house, located at 6832 Welland Street, Dublin, Ohio 43017. Please join us for her funeral Mass on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 11am, at St. Brendan’s Church, located at 4475 Dublin Road, Hilliard, Ohio 43026. Please send all flower’s to Melanie’s house at the address listed above. In honor of Lent, flowers may only be in the church during the funeral mass, not before. Thank you.