Mary Janet (Showalter) Krauska (85) passed away peacefully Sunday, November 4. She was an avid water color painter, fabric artist, baker and cook. Even during her hospital stay, she was sharing her artistic note cards with doctors, nurses and staff.
Janet, as she was commonly known as, grew up in Rock Island, IL. Oldest of 4, brothers Jack Showalter, Msgr. Paul Showalter and Tom Showalter. Attended Alleman Catholic High School and graduated Valedictorian. She graduated in 1955 from Mary Crest College with a degree in Medical Technology. Married to Alexander in 1955, just celebrated 63 years of marriage. Janet was extremely proud to have raised 5 children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Janet’s joy of cooking included completing Sophie Kay’s cooking class and numerous Wisconsin State Fair awards. She was well known to cook well and cook in quantity. Later in Janet’s life, she began dabbling in watercolor painting. This artwork was creative expression, bringing her great joy that she loved to share with others. Also utilizing long time sewing talents, she added fabric arts to that resume of talent in her tote bags, books, stuffed animals and quilted pieces. As she described, “a means to meeting many interesting people in all walks of life. Art is a healthy means of self expression – poetry of the soul.” Follow this link to an article featuring her gallery debut as an artist. http://archive.jsonline.com/blogs/entertainment/116685429.html
Janet was brave, in her journey to quit smoking 18 years ago and a 34-year friend of Bill W. She showed courage and dedication in helping others with similar struggles. Always prayerful in her life of catholic faith, Janet enjoyed following the journey of her, brother Msgr. Paul Showalter, participation in the cause for the Venerable Arch Bishop Fulton Sheen. That was a continued prayer to see the canonization complete even to her last days.
Janet is survived by her husband Alexander Jr. Dear mother of, Alexander (Mary Ann), Greg (Cindy), Bernard (Michelle) and Paul (Pam) Krauska, and Mary (Bob)Jandre. She is further survived by her grandchildren – Joseph, Meghan (Tyler), Stephen (Claire), Patrick, Katie, Elise, Emma (Benjamin), Alexandra, Brandon, Melissa(Kevin), James, Andrew and Brian; and 3 great-grandchildren. Brothers Jack (Jane) Showalter, Tom (Ann) Showalter and Msgr. Paul Showalter. She is further survived by other relatives and host of friends.
Visitation will be held Saturday, Nov. 17 at 10 am until the 12 noon Mass of Christian Burial at St. Jude the Apostle Parish, 734 Glenview Ave., Wauwatosa. Private interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to the Salvation Army of Milwaukee.
Please remember the Holy Father’s prayer intention for November: In the Service of Peace. That the language of love and dialogue may always prevail over the language of conflict.
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