In Memory

Janis Sheahan (Frank) - Class Of 1960

Janis M. Frank

Passed away peacefully on October 28, 2021, surrounded by family, at the age of 79. Janis is survived by daughter Katie Bando, son Andy (Britt), and her cherished grandchildren Mia, Maci, Genevieve and Bodhi. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Jerry, parents James and Josephine Sheahan, and will be remembered by many friends and family.

Growing up in Milwaukee with her mom, Janis graduated from Washington High School in 1960 as Homecoming Queen and then attended UWM. While at UWM, she joined Gamma Phi Beta, maintaining those close friendships for life, and fell in love with her beloved Jerry. Upon graduation, Janis became a kindergarten teacher and worked tirelessly for over 35 years, mostly with the Elmbrook and Brown Deer school districts. Her creativity, patience and love made her the perfect kindergarten teacher. Wherever she went, her former students would approach her and tell how much they loved having her as their first teacher.

As a public servant, her contributions to the community extended beyond her role as a teacher. She volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul, Mother of Good Counsel meal programs, registering voters, assisting political campaigns, and dozens of others. She brought her children to volunteer and set an example of how to treat those less fortunate with caring and empathy. After retiring, she volunteered at the Milwaukee Art Museum, acting as a docent for school children, which combined her love for teaching and art.

In order to satisfy her creative side, Janis' life was filled with countless pastimes and hobbies; sewing and knitting, making purses with Gretchen, reading everything, gardening, baking, puzzles, going to movies, visiting museums, and on and on. Ever the explorer, Janis traveled the world; China, Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Italy, Prague, Vienna, among others. Her curiosity never ceased and she cultivated her interests.

In the end, Janis pushed her lungs as far as she could, living a complete life before they could no longer support her. She was a great wife, mother and grandmother not only because she would do the typical motherly things – which she did (hopefully you got to try her cookies) – but because she was an amazing person. She knew what was important in life, treated everyone with love and respect, and contributed to society. She was one of those rare people who truly listened to you, and wasn't just waiting for her turn to talk. She led a beautiful life and left us all with an example of how to live.

Janis chose to have a natural burial at Forest Home Cemetery. A celebration of her life will take place in Spring, 2022, details to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hunger Task Force or Meta House.

Posted online on November 02, 2021

Published in Journal Sentinel

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https://www.jsonline.com/obituaries/mjs052820