Shirley Jankowiak

Shirley Ann Jankowiak, 81 of Richardson, Texas passed away on October 27, 2016. Shirley was born on February 9, 1935 on a farm in Hewitt, Texas. After graduating Midway High School in 1953, Shirley got her LVN from Hillcrest Hospital. Shirley always said this time in school with her friends were some of her happiest memories and such good times. She worked for an oral surgeon before marrying her sweetheart Len on June 29, 1957. Len was in the Air Force and Shirley happily became a pilot's wife. They moved about the country - New Hampshire, California, Nebraska before heading back to Texas. The travels allowed Shirley to explore different antiquing opportunities – something she continued to do and enjoy even after returning home to Texas. Becoming a mother was a natural for Shirley and even with 5 children, she made it seem easy. She was always involved in the children’s' activities from scouting to school functions. Once the children were older, Shirley decided to go back to work but wanted to work with children. She worked for several Mother’s Day out programs, always wanting to be in the infant room where she could sit and rock the babies. As grandchildren started to arrive, Shirley simply had more babies to rock and was always available to do so. Even as they grew, Shirley could be found at their different soccer games, birthday parties and school functions.

Shirley grew up with a love of animals. This continued though out her entire life. Her home was known for taking in strays or injured animals. None of them were going to be kept, but somehow they always managed to stay and live out their lives with Shirley.

Being a member of St. Paul the Apostle Church was an important part of Shirley’s life. She and Len were members for over 40 years. Even when her health was failing, if there was any way Shirley could attend church, she was there, wearing a smile. The relationship was mutually beneficial. She gave from her love for God and the Parrish, and she gathered a lot of strength from the incredible kindness of Parrish members.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Herbert and Trudy Neumann and her husband, Leonard Jankowiak.

She is survived by her sister Dorothy Peevey and her husband Robert; her brother Ted Neumann and his wife Doris; her 5 children, Patrick, Richard, Mary and her husband Ted, Andrew and his wife Tegist, and Stephen; grandchildren, Michael, Kyle, Jonathan, Sarah, Samrah and Alison; great grandchildren Jayden, Hailey and Wyatt.

Funeral arrangements will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 31, 2016, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, with a rosary to precede at 6PM Sunday, October 30, 2016.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA of Dallas.