Alerts Sign-up
A recent feature in the Martin County HUGS DEMENTIA magazine highlights the journey of Sharon Cook Jankowski, an artist and teacher who faced Alzheimer's disease with grace and support from her community. Known for her dedication to teaching and volunteer work, Sharon's life was marked by her service to others, as described by her sister Gail Winsor.
“Sharon’s greatest love, besides raising her daughter Moriah, was serving God at her church,” Gail said. Her contributions extended beyond her immediate surroundings, impacting many lives through teaching new believers and aiding the homeless.
At 55, Sharon began showing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Three years later, she moved in with Gail in Florida. Despite the challenges posed by the illness, Sharon found purpose at Alzheimer’s Community Care in Stuart, Fla., where she believed she was helping others.
The magazine editors recognized Sharon's spirit and featured her story on their cover. However, due to delays in publication, the issue came out when Sharon could no longer recognize herself.
As Sharon's condition worsened with delusions and hallucinations, Gail made the difficult decision to call VITAS hospice. The VITAS team provided care for Sharon during her final days at an inpatient facility.
“Nine days in, I learned Sharon would not be coming home,” Gail shared. The hospice team supported both sisters during this time. “These loving, caring people got me through the last thirteen days of my sister’s life,” said Gail.
Sharon passed away on August 8, 2021. Reflecting on their support experience with VITAS Hospice Care after Sharon's passing, Gail expressed gratitude for their continued outreach. One gesture involved creating Memory Bears from Sharon's clothing—a project led by Daily Martinez that provided comfort to both Gail and Moriah.
“I will forever treasure the love shared between these two sisters,” Daily remarked about working on the Memory Bears project.
Gail received two bears—one for herself and one for Moriah—crafted by Carrie Dantzler of VITAS Memory Bear seamstress team. “I can’t explain the feeling I got when those bears arrived,” said Gail about receiving them as part of their healing process.
