Falk, Janet (nee Rymaszewski). Born to Eternal Life January 1, 2024 at the age of 74 after a heroic fight with breast cancer. Loving wife of Terrence. Cherished mother of Katie Falk and Carl (Linh) Falk. Beloved grandmother of Mavis and Viola Mueller and Julie and Valerie Falk. Sister of David (Jody) Rymaszewski, Lois (Mark) Lucas, Lynn (Lyle) Conner and John (Janet) Rymaszewski. Godmother of Amelia Dietsche. Also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.

The family is hosting a Celebration in memory of Jan's life on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 9AM to 11AM at OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 3722 S. 58th St. Mass of Christian Burial to follow, at 11AM. Friends and family can also join mass at 11am CST by visiting the Our Lady of Lourdes YouTube page: youtube.com/@ololmke

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society or ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Jan's honor.

Born September 1, 1949 to Carl and Phyllis (nee Kwiatkowski) Rymaszewski, Jan was raised surrounded by faith and love in West Allis, Wisconsin. She attended St. Augustine (West Allis) and Pius XI. She was known as a scholar, with art as her true passion. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree from Alverno, majoring in art. She taught in parochial schools including St. Thomas Moore High School, and various elementary and middle schools throughout Milwaukee including Sacred Heart and St. Jude's. She also spent a brief time as a substitute teacher in Milwaukee Public Schools. She loved working with children and sharing her skills.

In 1973 Jan attended a mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with a friend and met the love of her life, Terry. Jan loved how he sang in church and was attracted to his kindness and persistence. They married on April 20, 1974 at Holy Rosary. Jan and Terry complimented each other perfectly. Terry was an educator in Milwaukee Public Schools, and both had a passion for sharing knowledge and helping others. They bought a home in the Bay View neighborhood in Milwaukee where they raised their two children Katie and Carl. Together they enjoyed gardening, going out to eat, attending church, theater performances and travel. Over the years they visited many countries including England, Vietnam, Australia, Poland and the Danube River, as well as journeys all over the United States. Jan was an accomplished home cook. She also enjoyed sewing, making outfits for her children and prom dresses for her daughter, as well as quilts. Jan welcomed four grandchildren in her life, whom she loved more than anything.

Faith was a strong element of Jan's life. She attended church weekly, a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus parish for over 40 years, later becoming a member of Our Lady of Lourdes where she enjoyed lectoring during mass. She embodied the teachings of Jesus, and showed kindness and compassion to everyone she met.

After retiring from teaching, Jan's passion for art flourished through her own education and creations. She ran a small business creating amazing scarves and jewelry, selling them at various art shows and boutiques. She created constantly, developing a prolific collection of pieces and displaying them at curated events throughout Wisconsin. She loved learning new techniques and took, as well as taught, classes through the Milwaukee Rec Department, the Wisconsin Sheep and Wool Festival, and the Loose Bead Society. Throughout her battle with cancer, art was a strong form of therapy, and truly helped her continue her journey.

Jan's passion for art was only rivaled by her passion for others. She loved her family and found friends everywhere she went. Through teaching, church, artwork and support groups, Jan touched the lives of so many people.

After being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, Jan never gave up and never lost her zest for life. She outlived the expectations of medical professionals and her life was testament to her spirit and beliefs. She will truly be missed.