In Remembrance of Terry Janicki

In Remembrance: Theresa Janicki

Theresa “Terry” Janicki, born December 30, 1946, in Cleveland, OH, passed away on June 22, 2021. She was a charter member of the Greater Ohio Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America.

As a grassroots organization formed back in 1977, when Terry started here she took on many roles. Back then the chapter was solely a volunteer movement. She took on many roles over the years and was charged with many tasks. For years she served as the newsletter editor, corresponding secretary and first vice president all at once.

Terry led by example and her passion for volunteerism impressed many. She, along with Dr. Ali Askari, was presented with the prestigious Feldelitast Award from the Lupus Foundation of America.

Terry, a lupus patient for 57 years, diagnosed in 1964, never let lupus get her down and was always cheerful, happy, and had a positive attitude about lupus and life. She could always be found helping other lupus patients deal with the disease.

Lupus was a roller coaster ride for Terry. Still, she always forged ahead. After her retirement she was constantly challenged with health issues. She fought the good fight. Never complaining. She always had her sister Rita at her side. Rita was a nurse, and I was always impressed with how she rose to help Terry whenever she needed it.

Terry loved gardening, cooking, traveling, and knitting. She knitted many baby hats and blankets not only for our countless clambake raffles but for other organizations too. Many of you might remember that the chapter’s major fundraiser was the fall clambake and raffle out in Kirtland, Ohio. Together with the Sagaris family, they were able to rally hundreds of supporters to join them each fall to raise funds for research.

Terry proudly retired from Lubrizol in 2012 after 25 years of dedicated service. Because of her work history with Lubrizol, Lubrizol became a generous supporter of the lupus cause.

As I reflect through the years, I think of the limited resources they all had. But still, they forged ahead to make a pathway for all of us today. Without their tenacity and desire to give of themselves for others, we wouldn’t be where we are today. She was a true trailblazer and it was a privilege to be a part of her lupus community.

With respect and gratitude for a life well-lived, I say thank you, Terry, yours was a life (although sick and challenged) well lived.