Joanne Kowalski (Juraschek)
	Dedham, MA

After high school, I pursued a voice performance music degree at Eastman School of Music, but found the music field highly competitive, rather cutthroat and really not what I had expected. I dropped out of Eastman and moved to Boston, MA in 1977 and attended Boston University where I met my husband Paul Juraschek. We were married in 1979 and we have 4 children Anna, 28, Stephen, 26, Elizabeth 24 and Andrew, 19. I homeschooled my children (something I really enjoyed) but had to stop when my daughter Elizabeth had significant health issues. I went back to school (Northeastern University) in the late 90s, and completed a degree in technical communications (FINALLY!) After working for a few years as a technical writer I changed careers and worked as a principal of a private elementary school. I went back to school in 2006 and completed a M.S. in Library and Information Science. Currently I work as a school librarian at a private school in Boston. My oldest daughter Anna was married this past July - it was a wonderful wedding. My oldest son is in his 2nd year at Hopkins Medical School. My daughter Elizabeth is a senior at Pine Manor College and my youngest son Andrew is finishing up his sophomore year at University of Texas. Currently, I am battling ovarian cancer - I was diagnosed in 2007. It has been a tough battle but I am determined to survive! My dad passed away in 2005 and my mom lives with us now.
Joanne lost her battle with cancer July 12 2009 Joanne had four children and lived in Dedham, Ma.