Mary Theresa JANKOWSKI

19 AUG 1951 - 7 DEC 2011

• BIRTH: 19 AUG 1951, South Bend, IN
• BURIAL: Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN.
• DEATH: 7 DEC 2011, South Bend, IN

• MARRIAGE: 7 AUG 1982, St Joseph County IN

INDEX

[N4321] Born: Sun., Aug. 19, 1951
Died: Wed., Dec. 7, 2011

Mary Theresa Hunt, 60, of Granger, Indiana died peacefully December 7, 2011, at home surrounded by her loving family and friends. Mary gracefully battled ovarian cancer for the past six years, empowered by her strong devotion to the Lord and her loving family and friends. Mary was born August 19, 1951 in South Bend, IN to the late Frank and Lucille (March) Jankowski who have preceded her in death. She was the youngest of four siblings. Mary was born and raised in South Bend, IN where she attended Holy Family grade school. She went on to attend North Liberty high school where she was actively involved in numerous activities there. It was during this time that Mary began her life long friendship on Peach Trail with her dearest of friends; Cheri (Reed) Coplin, Sandy (Ward) Lack, and Pamela (Ramsbey) Dosmann. The three have stood by her side and have nurtured their enduring friendship. During that time Mary began a long relationship with Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, starting out as a candy striper, progressing into medical records. While attending classes at IUSB and Masters classes at Northwestern, Mary progressed her career to Director of Quality for Holy Cross Health System. She was actively involved in reshaping satisfaction, safety, and quality within the healthcare industry nationwide. She was very proud to be involved in the cutting edge development of quality assurance in hospitals. It was through the help of her devoted secretary Rosanne Nowacki that Mary was able to accomplish a remarkable professional career, while acting as the rock of the family at home. It was in this time that Mary was able to interact with numerous individuals whom will never forget Marys impeccable and precise dedication to her work. She always dressed professionally, and with class. Her time spent working with the Sisters of the Holy Cross was driven by their mission of respect, social justice, compassion, care of the poor and underserved, and excellence.
Mary lived a life dedicated to her faith, family, and friends. Marys devout Catholic faith was instilled on her by her loving parents and strong Polish heritage at Holy Family Catholic Church. Her faith only grew with her diagnosis. Mary possessed the cross she was given to bare and was an inspiration to all around her. Her profound devotion to the Blessed Mother was strengthened by weekly gatherings of her dear rosary group. Mary also expressed deep devotions to Our Lady of Medjugorje lead by dear friends and neighbors Denise and the late Patrick Michael Hagerty. Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta has recently strengthen her faith and provided a source of comfort. Mary lived her life through her family. On August 7, 1982, she married Dr. Robert Hunt who survives. While working at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Mary met the new Infectious Disease Physician who recently came to town. Mary took upon Bob and his son Gregory, seeing and loving them as her own. Though completely different, the two complimented each other in only the way true love and devotion can until the day she died. Marys life was her children David, Timmy, and Kevin whom she loved and adored. Her joy and satisfaction was spending time with her boys. Summers were spent poolside at their Granger home, entertaining friends, neighbors, and family. Throughout her health and illness, Mary always had her pugs Chelsea and Madison on her lap and in her bed. A special place in Marys heart was found at Granby, CO where the C Lazy U Ranch served as a home away from home. Mary enjoyed her time there horseback riding and enjoying the beauty of the Rocky Mountains with family and the dear friends she made during their stays. Mary was most happy in the presence of her entire family. Mary also served as a second mother to all of her sons friends, loving them as her own. She loved nothing more than hosting parties and sleepovers for her kids. Nothing would be complete until Mary sent them back to their own family on a full stomach. From cheesecake to brownies to apple pie, nobody could resist Mrs. Hunts food. She had a profound love of baking for all. Each will remember their own favorite. She always served as a room mom and PTA for all her sons. Later at Saint Joseph High School, Mary served as guide to the administration and chaired the St. Joe/Marian auction. She lived for Friday nights, watching her St. Joe Indians play and serving as the team mom. Watching her children compete and participate in sporting and extracurricular activities provided some of her greatest joy. She was given the game ball signed by the players of St. Joes sectional victory over Marian this past season, as a sign of Marys love and devotion in the program. Mary learned to garden from her father. She took great pride in her green thumb, nurturing over 100 rose bushes and cultivating her own French garden. Inside the house was just as immaculate as the outside. Changing the d©bcor from season to season, Mary particularly enjoyed decorating her magnificent Victorian Christmas tree. She was the foundation, soul, and life of her house and family. Even in her own suffering she put all others before herself. She offered her suffering for unbelievers, that they would come to know the love of God. She has taught us all through her words and actions how to love, laugh and live to carry on her legacy. Many have walked with and supported Mary during her diagnosis, treatment, and final days. She found great care, compassion, and friendship with the staff of Michiana Hematology Oncology, Memorial Interventional Radiology, Memorial 10 South, and Memorial Home Care. Her life was aided and significantly touched by the care of Dr. Gerard Duprat, Anne Billings, Ryanne & Dawn Golden, Dorothy Mitchell, and Melissa Ullery. The compassion and care shown by dear friends and neighbors Drs. Rafat and Zoreen Ansari provided Mary great comfort and love in sickness and in health. Mary is survived by her husband Robert N. Hunt, MD of Granger, her sons David and wife Christine of Chicago, IL, Timothy of Granger, his significant other Ryanne Golden of South Bend, Kevin of Granger, and stepson Gregory Hunt of Los Angeles, CA. Mary is also survived by three brothers Robert Jankowski of Mishawka, Richard (Miriam) Jankowski of South Bend, and John (Carmen) Jankowski of Cape Coral, FL. An Aunt Genevieve Dunbar of New Carlisle, Niece Julie Jankowski of Baltimore, and two Nephews Randy Jankowski, and Brian Jankowski both of South Bend. Many await Mary in Heaven including her parents, Frank and Lucille (March) Jankowski, Nephew Jeffery Jankowski, Uncle John Jankowski, and dear friends P. Michael Hagerty, James Addison Moore, Mary Kay Conroy, Barbara Roccanti, and Marian Jankowski. The viewing will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church SR. 933, South Bend Sunday, December 11, from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with a Rosary at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 12 at 1:00 PM at Christ the King Catholic Church, followed by Internment at Saint Joseph Valley Memorial Park, in Granger, IN. Mary asks for Memorial Masses in her name. Memorial contributions may be made to the football program at Saint Josephs High School, 1441 North Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana 46617. Welsheimer Family Funeral Home assisted with arrangements. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com