Maria D. Janke

Maria D. Janke, residing in Highland Beach, FL and the Monterey Beach section of Toms River, New Jersey, passed away after a short illness. Born May 25, 1943 in Orange, NJ to Thomas and Rita Dougherty, Maria was the spouse of 51 years to Walter D. Janke and mother to three; Thomas W. Janke, Laura M. Janke and David P. Janke, as well as sister to Cathy Crisafulli.

She attended “Our Lady of the Valley High School” and graduated Class of 1960. Higher education included Katherine Gibbs and Boston College. Maria worked her way up to Assistant Vice President of the Crum & Forester Organization, a Xerox Corporation. She was Co-Chairwoman of the United Way’s Professional and Employee Campaign. Affiliations included President of the American Cancer Society of Morris County Chapter and The Saint Claire’s Hospital Development Committee. Maria served on numerous boards which included the American Heart Association, St. Elizabeth College, County College of Morris, Morris County Chamber of Commerce, and The 200 Club of Morris County. She was named 1992 Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club of Morristown. She was also a patient volunteer for local Hospice organizations.

She had been the President of the Ocean Beach Shores Club and a member of the Ocean Beach Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Maria was a Certified EMT Volunteer. She also served with the CCW of the St. Lucy’s Catholic Church.

Maria loved to host friends and family “down the shore” and enjoyed cooking, entertaining and spending time with her grandchildren. She enjoyed planting flowers each season for all to enjoy at her summer home in New Jersey. Better known to many as “Mimi”, she was adored by her ten grandchildren; Haley Janke, Jenna Janke, Tyler Dannenbaum, Emma Stern, Luke Stern, Cooper Stern, Jack Janke, Olivia Janke, Ryan Janke and Ella Janke.

Maria touched many lives. She worked with her reunion committee to celebrate each and every milestone, sustaining lasting friendships over her lifetime. Most of all, she loved life; traveling with friends and family, reading, quiet time, movies, mahjong, and cooking for everyone. Helping those in need was her calling. These were her great pleasures.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 17, 2016 from 4-8 PM at the Quinn-Hopping Funeral Home 145 E. Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Livingston. Funeral mass will be offered at Our Lady of the Valley, 518 Valley Street, Orange, NJ on Friday, March 18 at 10AM. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, donations to local Hospice and/or American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.