Jean A. (Kangas) Cupido

Jean A. Cupido, age 89 (but was forever age 39!), passed away Monday, August 22, 2022 at Country Club Retirement Campus in Ashtabula.  Born September 23, 1932 in Ashtabula, the daughter of Leonard J. and Helen E. (Ketola) Kangas, she was a lifelong area resident. 

Jean graduated from Ashtabula Harbor High School in 1950. She was employed as a private duty home health aide for 30 years and she helped with the family businesses while raising her daughters. Jean enjoyed a life of service and socialization.  She served as a CONTACT Helpline phone volunteer, Ashtabula Board of Election worker, member of Ashtabula County Republican Committee, Harbor High School Class of 1950 Reunion Committee, Women's Club of Ashtabula, and Child Conservation League.  She will miss her "Club Girls" with whom she enjoyed strong friendships for over 60 years.  

A woman of strong faith, she was a lifelong member of Bethany Lutheran Church.  She often spoke of being grateful for how the Lord had brought her through difficult times throughout her life, and encouraged loved ones to simply give their troubles to the Lord, "then they will be His problem!" Jean often declared that she was not afraid to die, saying, "I know where I'm going," but prayed that God's plan was for her to "not live too long."  As always, GOD IS GOOD.  Tired and rapidly declining in health over the past month, another prayer was answered--she passed in her sleep of an acute vascular event.  Throughout her years, Jean served Bethany Church in various roles: Sunday school teacher, church council, evangelism committee, pastoral partner, choir, nisu worker, and funeral fellowship hour.  

Anyone who knew Jean knew she had opinions on everything, which she would eagerly offer to anyone, at any time, whether solicited or not!  Very protective of her family, she was confident she knew what was best for each of them on all matters, and they came to expect her certain declarations accordingly!  Very proud of her Finnish ancestry, Jean was honored to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Finnish American Heritage Association.  She exemplified the Finnish concept of "SISU," which can be roughly translated in English as a mystical quality of inner strength, perseverance, resiliency and sustained courage in the face of adversity.  She was fiercely independent throughout her life.

Her most cherished times were spent with her family.  Thanks Mom, for all your nurturing gifts throughout our lives, but mostly for bringing us to know the Lord, the greatest gift of all.

Jean is survived by her daughters, Janet (Robert) Fish of Sun Lakes, Arizona; Jaclyn (Rick) Featsent of  Ashtabula; grandsons, Bradley (Bethany) Featsent of Lyndhurst, and Kylan Fish of Dewey, Arizona; great granddaughters, Emerson and Maddox Featsent; brother, Jack (Gail) Kangas; sister, VIcky Kangas; sister-in-law, Reiko Kangas; nieces, Vanessa (Peter) Massaro and Jolene Hulka (her children, Joshua and Kaitlyn); cousins, Patricia Massi, Dorothy Steen, and Linda Nelson; and many cherished friends.  

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Joel Kangas; and sister, Patricia Kangas.

Visitation will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 29, 2022, with funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church, 933 Michigan Avenue, Ashtabula, Ohio 44004.   Rev. David Anderson will officiate.  Interment will be at Edgewood Cemetery.  

If desired, memorial gifts may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church or the Finnish American Heritage Association. 

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