In Memory
Judy Ann (Cholewczynski) Jankowski
December 21, 1953 ~ June 29, 2025
Judy Ann Jankowski, “JJ,” 71, passed away on June 29, 2025 in Venice, Florida. She was born on December 21, 1953 in South Bend, IN and was a proud, lifelong resident of South Bend until she moved “down south” to Venice in 2022.
Judy was a devoted member of the South Bend community and had a work ethic that was unmatched, starting with her first job as a waitress at The Toasty Shop. After graduating from Washington High School in 1971, she began working at Indiana Bell (now AT&T) in the call center. Over the years, she rose through the ranks to become a respected lobbyist, a role she took great pride in. At the same time, she built a thriving Mary Kay business, leading a successful team as a Sales Director. Her dedication was recognized when she earned the iconic Mary Kay car, a symbol of her persistence, leadership, and passion. Even after retiring from AT&T, Judy never truly stopped working. In true “JJ” fashion, she continued to give her time and energy to causes and people she cared about.
She was a light in every community she touched, giving of herself freely and often, both personally and professionally. She believed strongly in the power of volunteerism and its ability to change our communities for the better. Her work with Junior League of South Bend and Rotary, where she was proud to have served as president of both organizations, was a testament to this.
She was a champion for women. She supported, and volunteered for, many local organizations that focused on the empowerment, enrichment, and safety of all women. She worked for several United Way organizations in the greater Northern Indiana region and most recently worked with the Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Naples continuing her love of giving back. Outside of work she enjoyed reading, watching old movies on TCM, and spending time with her ever growing group of friends. She will be forever remembered for her ability to light up any room she entered and for her devotion to her family and friends.
Judy was the youngest daughter of the late Norbert and Rita (Mlezcek) Cholewczynski of South Bend, IN and sister to Janice (Joseph) Cunningham of Venice, FL, who survives her. She is preceded in death by her late husband, James Robert Jankowski, and is survived by her two sons, Corey (Tori) Jankowski of Indianapolis, IN and Daniel (Colleen) Jankowski of Granger, IN. She is also survived by her niece Jill (Tony) Reinert, her nephew Jeff (Lisa) Cunningham, her great-niece Lauren Cunningham, and great-nephew Jacob Cunningham.
A Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at the Kaniewski Funeral Home in South Bend, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 at 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church, South Bend, IN. Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend, IN.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of contributions to Shy Wolf Sanctuary in Naples, FL, St. Margaret’s House of South Bend, or the YWCA of North Central Indiana.
7/04/2025 djb
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