Doris Jankowski

Doris Gayle Jankowski, age 90, of Silverdale Washington passed away peacefully on 17 February, 2026. She was born in July of 1935, in Forrest, Illinois the 2nd eldest of five siblings, a daughter of the late Eileen and Jay Downes Sr.

Doris was preceded in death by a Brother Jay Downes Jr, two Sisters Aurel Ellis and Alice Taylor, her Son Michael and her Granddaughter Lalania.

Doris is survived by her husband Gene “Jan”, two Daughters (Susan and Lisa), four Sons (Steven, Mark, Philip and Jon), her Sister Patricia Mohr and many Grand and Great Grandchildren. She also leaves many other family members, students and friends who will sadly miss her.

Early in her life she was nicknamed “Pinkie” for her pink snowsuit at 2 years old (Tagging behind her parents and eldest sister on a walk and her dad said “Come on Pinkie!”). She loved to visit Grandpa at the farm in summer, she always told a story that “Grandpa told us not to shortcut through the field, but one day with my sister Alice, we did, and found the bull chasing us. We ran as fast as we could towards the fence, just as we made it over, “BAM” the bull hit the fence! Doris was a self-professed tom boy and loved to play baseball in her school years. All the boys envied how good she was! We often heard the story of her taking off her hat, her braids would fall down, and someone saying “Gaaw…he’s a girl!”

Doris met Gene Jankowski after he saw her picture in a high school yearbook and going on a double date to the drive in theater. They fell in love and she married Gene on February 14th, 1955. They reached an incredible 71st anniversary milestone this year. Doris, born Methodist, converted to Catholicism when she married Gene and embraced her new beliefs becoming active in church activities.

Those who knew Doris will remember her passion for art, children, music and teaching. Some of her artwork was proudly displayed at Salmagundi Art Center in Greenwich Village New York City. Her talents included Silk-screening, Artwork, Painting, Ceramics, Stained Glass, Card Making and more. Doris was always learning new skills, techniques, and processes. She was an instructor at the Parks Department and Olympic College in Bremerton for many years. Doris raised and taught six children so many life skills and lessons (cooking, cleaning, art, crafts, laughter and fun). She instilled in all of us a love for music. Her favorite piano duet was “Heart and Soul”.

She had the biggest heart and loved all children and enjoyed teaching high risk youths at Kitsap Mental Health. Gene quoted “I believe when she is with children, God guides her hand and her words”. She was awarded the Golden Acorn Award by the Washington State PTA for honoring volunteers who have given dedicated and outstanding service to children and youth. Years’ later she told of success stories from past students who would come in to see her. She always spoke of one named Michael who had gotten married and brought his baby to meet her. Later she was a substitute teacher in the Bremerton School District where the students would always ask in the hallways, “Mrs. J, who are you today?”

She was also talented in softball (Bud Higgs Lakers – State Champions) playing all over Washington. She began playing drums as a youth and played piano as an adult. Doris was active in Scouting and Cub Scout activities like the Pinewood derby, going to La Push for bean pots and campouts. She volunteered for many activities in the community including school levy fundraising as well.

Doris loved to tell stories at great length and was the family historian. She took pride in her ancestry research and loved to share new finds. In her story telling, she often provided a life lesson “gem” to learn. She loved stuffed toys, was an avid reader of everything and anything written. Her musical interests included classical guitar and piano music. She enjoyed taking care of house plants, gardening out of doors, and feeding the birds & squirrels. She was a huge sports fan and loved to watch games of kids, grandkids and professional teams. She once caught a greased football from Steve Largent and won a trip to the Rose Bowl. Doris also loved to sort and move anything not fastened down (coins, poker chips, baseball cards, mail, and stamps).

Doris found joy in preparing meals and treats for family. Her au-gratin potatoes were a family favorite. She loved teaching her grandchildren the joys of cooking and baking. She found loving gifts to celebrate seasons, birthdays, and anniversaries. She had a knack for picking out and giving the perfect card. It was important to her to attend birthdays, graduations, and family celebrations both near and far. She warmly embraced her husband, Gene, and their children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren whenever they were with her.

Although her physical presence will no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, as we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. Gene is helped by the knowledge that "God called her home to help with all the Kids in Heaven with him".

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. on Friday, 6 March 2026, at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church in Poulsbo, WA with Father Albert Arulappan officiating. Burial will follow at the Mountain View Cemetery in Silverdale, WA. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital in her honor.

A Celebration of Doris’ Life will be held in July 2026.