Gertrude M. (nee Nagel) Jankowski

October 26, 1929 - June 18, 2017

Gertrude M. (nee Nagel) Jankowski, 87, of Madison Heights, died Sunday, June 18, 2017, at Woodward Hills Nursing Center, in Bloomfield Hills, after a long illness. She was born on October 26, 1929, at her family home in Detroit. She graduated with the Class of 1948 from St. Josaphat High School. On June 22, 1957, she was married to Raphael A. Jankowski at St. Albertus Roman Catholic Church on East Canfield Street in Detroit. Gert was preceded in death by her husband Raphael (2001) and her son Bryan (2008). Gert is survived by her son, David (Susan) Jankowski, daughters Kathryn Jankowski, Rachel (Kevin) Wilkie, Celeste (Timothy Snyder) Jankowski and Melissa Jankowski. Gert had 4 grandchildren: Tanya, Westin, Trevor and Ryan. Everyone who knew Gert remembers her kindness, compassion for those less fortunate, and her generosity. Gert’s children and grandchildren held a special place in her heart. Gert was very creative and always boasted that she learned how to crochet at age 9. Crocheting became her favorite hobby. Everyone who had contact with Gert was given some type of crocheted item as a keepsake. Gert was very artistic and enjoyed all types of arts and crafts, including painting the statues in her yard and she even painted a mural on a wall in the basement of her home. Gert had a genuine love of animals and she knew all of the neighborhood dogs by name and would be the first one to get attached to a stray cat that one of her children would bring home. Gert always had fond memories of her first job at the National Bank of Detroit in downtown Detroit. Gert retired from K-Mart where she was employed for many years. Gert was a devout Catholic and has been a member of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Madison Heights since 1957. Gert volunteered her time assisting at St. Vincent Ferrer for over 10 years when her children were young. Gert wished that her family, friends and acquaintances would celebrate her life rather than mourn her passing. The memories that were created over her lifetime will be instilled in the hearts of all that knew her. Visitation Wednesday, June 21st from 3-9 pm with funeral service at 7 pm at Hopcroft Funeral Home, 31145 John R. Road, Madison Heights (one block north of 13 Mile Road on the west side of John R Road).