Dr. Janna Lesser, 70, passed away on June 7, 2025, in her home in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. A beloved mother, wife, sister, teacher, nurse, and mentor, Janna lived a full life marked by deep compassion, intellectual rigor, and a steadfast commitment to community health, social justice and education.
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Janna was happily married to Dr. Richard Usatine for 42 years. They met while she was in nursing school and Richard was in medical school. Janna was battling metastatic colorectal cancer for the past 6 years. Richard was at her side to support her through her last breath in their home.
She was born on June 20, 1954, in Los Angeles, California, and her early years laid the foundation for a lifetime of academic excellence and service. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Her passion for nursing led her to Columbia University in New York for nursing school, and she later completed her PhD at UCLA-an academic journey that reflected both her dedication to learning and her desire to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Janna’s professional career was centered at UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing, where she served as a Professor of Nursing. She began by directing mental health nursing courses and later transitioned to teaching PhD students. In recent years, she became a highly respected mentor for students working on their research and dissertations. Her guidance shaped the careers of many aspiring nurses and researchers, who continue to carry forward her legacy of thoughtful inquiry and compassionate care.
A pioneer in community engagement, Janna co-founded “Las Mujeres,” an initiative through which she worked closely with promotoras-community health workers-to improve access to care and empower underserved populations. Her work combined academic research with real-world impact and earned her numerous awards that recognized both her teaching excellence and her community involvement.
Janna’s devotion extended far beyond the classroom and community. She was a wonderful and devoted mother to her daughter, Rebecca, and son, Jeremy. She loved her grandson, Austin, greatly. Her sister, Wendy Lesser, also survives her. Just five months before Janna’s passing, her mother Millicent Dillon preceded her in death-a loss that deeply touched those close to them both.
Those who knew Janna remember not only her professional accomplishments but also the warmth she brought into every relationship. She was deeply loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her nurturing spirit shone through in countless ways-from how she supported her children unconditionally to how she cared for even the family cat with a tenderness that revealed the depth of her heart.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on July 20, 2025, at 02:00 PM at House of Prayer, Lutheran Church and Congregation Shalom, 10226 Ironside Drive. Rabbi Lisa Goldstein will lead the service, and all are welcome. Parking is easily available on site.