Janel Chester (Hamilton), 41, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, passed into the arms of our Lord
on Monday, January 17, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer. Janel was born on
December 18, 1980, in Olean, New York and grew up in Cuba, New York.
She graduated from Cuba-Rushford Central School in 1999 and went on to earn a bachelor’s
degree in exercise and sport science from the University of Buffalo in 2004. She continued her
education at South University, where she earned her degree as a physical therapist assistant in
2010.
Janel was employed as a Department of the Army Civilian physical therapist assistant at the
McDonald Army Health Center, Fort Eustis, Virginia, where she treated injured soldiers and
their families.
Janel’s two boys were truly the love and joy of her life. Janel inspired everyone she knew
with her kindness, strength and determination to overcome any adversity. She was an avid
runner, having completed several marathons and long-distance races including the “Run
Across Georgia” in 2016, in support of veteran and medical charities.
She is survived by her two loving sons, Callen Chester and Liam Chester; father, Martin
(Cynthia) Hamilton of Columbia Cross Roads, Pennsylvania; step-father, Larry Blecha of
Machias, New York; grandmother, Rosabell Hamilton of Hinsdale, New York; sister Nicole
(Karl) Linderman (Hamilton) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister Yvonne (Mark) Fleischman
(Hamilton) of Williamsburg, Virginia; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and
nephews who all love and cherish her.
Janel was predeceased by her mother, Lucinda Blecha (Bunk).
A Memorial Visitation to celebrate Janel’s life will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2022, at the
Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc, 9 Bull Street, Cuba from 1-3:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Leukemia and
Lymphoma Society.
