Jean Marie Walkowiak

Jean Marie Walkowiak (nee Dillard) passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 5, 2023, surrounded by her family and close friends after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer, at the age of 55.

A loving mother who dedicated her life to raising and nurturing her three children: Jacqueline, Joseph, and Jesse Walkowiak. Devoted to her partner, Shawn Falknor, and his children, Aaron and Taylor. Adoring mom to her rescued dogs, Dexter & JoJo.

Jean was preceded in death by both her parents, Paul and Shirley Dillard; her sister, Christine (Jay) Ergen; and her grandparents.

She is survived by her siblings: Carol Dillard, Pamela (Dan) Quicker, Dennis Dillard, and Donald (Kelly) Dillard; she held a special fondness for her uncle and aunt, Richard (Brenda) Koracin. Further survived by her large extended family; including step siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many other family members. Special mention to her dear childhood friends: Lisa, Marina, and Jenny.

Jean had an engaging personality, never hesitating to help others and loved sharing time with her family and friends. She made friends where ever she went. Jean loved to bargain shop and to celebrate and decorate for Halloween and Christmas. She was known for her creativity. Jean enjoyed crafting, baking, designing cards, and making Halloween props. She was an avid fan of the State Fair, church festivals, car races, traveling, dining out, and the Green Bay Packers.

Jean impacted hundreds of children through her various jobs at the YMCA, volunteering at her children's schools, and being a boy scout and girl scout leader. For the last 10 years, she worked a before and after school program, where each child left an imprint on her heart. She will be missed by her YMCA kids and co-workers, her neighbors, and her many friends.

Visitation and prayer service will be held on April 5, 2023, at Max A Sass funeral home located at 1515 West Oklahoma Avenue, Milwaukee, WI, 53215, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Private burial. Face masks are required.

Sincere and heartfelt thanks to the staff and medical team at Angel’s Grace Hospice in Oconomowoc, who took exceptional care of her in her final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family humbly requests you consider donations to the family's GoFundMe or the Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control Commission located at 3839 West Burnham Street, Milwaukee (53215), in Jean’s name.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family has a GoFundMe to assist with the cost of final arrangements and daily needs. https://gofund.me/276ec017