Shirley E. Jankowich

Shirley Elaine Jankowich departed this life on December 4, 2018 at Long Ridge Post Acute Care, Stamford, CT at age 82. Shirley was born in Bridgeport, CT on May 15, 1936 to the late Olga (Dragan) and Dimitri Jankowich. She was a 1954 graduate of Stratford High School, earned a BS from Skidmore College in 1958, and master’s degree in Art Education from the University of Illinois, plus a sixth year certificate from the University of Bridgeport. She began her teaching career in Glens Falls, NY, and then taught art at Greenwich High School, for thirty-four years, ultimately the Chairman of the Art Department. Shirley was an innovative teacher who promoted student art gallery tours, guest speakers, and current and alumni art exhibitions. Many of her students enjoyed professional art careers. She received the Distinguished Teacher Award, and was a member of the DKG and the NEA. Shirley was always an active participant in her environment, in high school student affairs, and as a volunteer at the Stratford Shakespeare Theatre. In college, a student European tour, and later went on art oriented visits to Peru and Greece, always sketching and painting. She also made visits to her former college roommate Anna’s family in France, and later trips to Russia with her colleague and friend, Janet and her students. In her last years of teaching she taught courses on Russian studies. While admiring folk art, Shirley especially doted on the art of unrecognized, but talented young people. She encouraged students in drawing and painting, frequently purchasing their works, which filled her home, thereby fortifying her belief in their talents. After retiring, Shirley volunteered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for fourteen years and at Laurel House in Stamford. She was also a member of the Town of Greenwich Social Service Board. She was an enthusiastic theatre and concertgoer with her friends to New York City and Stamford events. Shirley lovingly cared for her canine companions, Otto, followed by Sandy, and finally Gypsy and Bandit. Shirley enjoyed the friendship and respect of her peers. Her former students from years past kept in touch with her, considering her a friend; the ultimate accolade any teacher can have. Survivors include her brother, Dr. Raymond Jankowich and his wife Karen of Stratford; two nephews, Andrew Jankowich and his wife Danielle of Cambridge, MA, and Dr. Matthew Jankowich and his wife Dr. Colleen Kelly of Providence, RI; great nieces, Lucia, Sabina, Caroline, and Catherine and a great nephew, Alexander. Private funeral services took place on December 8th at 10 a.m. in the Adzima Funeral Home, 50 Paradise Green Place, Stratford, with Very Rev. David Cochran officiating. Interment followed in St. John’s Cemetery, Stratford. Memorial contributions can be made to the Jankowich Scholarship Fund at Stratford High School 245 King St Stratford, CT 06615. For online condolence please visit www.adzimafuneralhome.com