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Eleanor Josaitis
Eleanor Josaitis
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Eleanor Josaitis Obituary
Josaitis died at Angela Hospice in Livonia with family members by her side, her son Mark Josaitis said. She was diagnosed with peritoneal cancer last year and had undergone chemotherapy, he said. She had also broken her hip during a fall.
"Eleanor was a stalwart of community activism," Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement. "She has touched the lives of countless Detroiters and built a legacy of hope and help that will last for generations."
Eleanor Josaitis and the Rev. William Cunningham founded Focus: HOPE in 1968 after the riots that widened a rift between Detroit's black and white residents. The group offers job training, as well as food programs for the poor and elderly. Cunningham died in 1997.
"She really believed in human dignity and helping people develop skills to be proud of," Mark Josaitis told The Associated Press.
Josaitis became a civil rights activist after watching a televised report on violence against civil rights marchers in Alabama in 1963, according to Focus: HOPE. She served as CEO of the group for nine years after Cunningham's death, and remained active in its work.
"There's no greater way to eliminate racism and poverty than to see that people have education, skills, jobs and opportunities in life," she has said.
Josaitis was credited for her work as the practical operations manager of Focus: HOPE. She wasn't deterred when the group's offices were firebombed in the 1970s, and she helped it recover after a tornado caused $18 million in damages to Focus: HOPE's campus.
"Her kindness was so genuine and she didn't hold it back from anybody," Mark Josaitis said.
U.S. Rep. John Dingell of Michigan described her as remarkable.
"Josaitis was an inspiration to us all and her ever present passion will be missed on the Detroit landscape," Dingell said in a statement. "Eleanor was about changing the world one person at a time."
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder said she was a "tireless and devoted leader" who served the entire state.
"Her compassion and resolve live on through the work of Focus: HOPE and the countless men, women and children whose lives were forever changed for the better because of her," Snyder said in statement.
Survivors include Josaitis' husband of 55 years, Donald; children Mark, Michael, Thomas, Janet Denk and Mary Lendzion; seven grandchildren; sisters Margaret Krueger and Janet Lang; and brother Louis Reed.
Funeral details were being finalized Tuesday. Visitation was planned at the Church of the Madonna, Cunningham's former parish in Detroit, Mark Josaitis said. A funeral was expected to be held at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Detroit.
Memorial contributions may be mad e to the "Eleanor Josaitis Fund for Focus: HOPE."
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
26 Entries
Fr. Anthony A
December 18, 2011
Eleanor Josaitis is a towering icon whose memories would be forever remembered, especially in Detroit. I encountered her when trying to gain access to do an anthropological field research for a graduate seminar I was doing at Wayne State, intending to utilize Focus-Hope as my site. She was thorough in srutinizing me and my intentions, but yet was also very kind; thorough in trying to find out why I needed to research Focus-Hope, but also kind in opening the ways for me to enter that great organization. I learnt a lot about Detroit, the visions of the Eleanor Josaitis and Fr. Bill Cunningham who both founded Focus Hope, more especially I learnt about how birthing of an idea can transform our world positively, if only we invest in it to ensure the betterment of our human communities and universe of existence, and above all remain focused in our hopes of turning dreams into actualities. Eleanor, I came to realize, together with many, embraced the mindset that transcend the limitations of the present by working hard and holding out hope for the possibilities of the future that comes from relentless steadfastness. I learnt then about the living spirit of Focus-Hope and its late co-founder, Fr. Cunningham, another Detroit legend. I am so sorry to hear of Eleanor's death. I hope that her's and Fr. Cunningham's enduring and endearing legacies will continue to radiate at Focus Hope. Through her efforts and those of many others, Focus Hope is a testimony to the possibility that can be, if all fervently work together and explore salient opportunities, especially when it is directed toward honest service that invests in peoples' positive growth and becoming, without pretense.
Eleanor is a testament of what faith and hope, nourished through love and promoted by hardwork can achieve.
I wish Eleanor, a peaceful rest. My belated condolences to her family and many colleagues at Focus Hope, and those whose visions and mission sustained Focus Hope, as a place of human advancement and possibility.
Fr. Anthony A. (Indiana)
mark dragisity
August 13, 2011
rest in peace
Miss CC . Thank You.
August 12, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
How you can show support
August 11, 2011
All the best to family and loved ones. May the God of all comfort be with you.
August 11, 2011
I attended St. Theresa High School, Detroit, with her, she was 1 year ahead of me, I was class of 1951. I did have the opportunity to attend her facility in Detroit a number of times and meet with her, david l rittinger
Dick Gassen
August 10, 2011
I knew Eleanor when I was a student at Sacred Heart Seminary from 1968 to 1972 and a FOCUS: Hope volunteer. She was as loving and generous as she was dynamic and committed. A true leader of boundless energy and vision she was. Eleanor will be sorely missed, but her memory will live forever. She's now in heaven, no doubt looking out for all of us with Fr. Cunningham at her side.
Pauline Averbach
August 10, 2011
An unwavering force for enlightened good works.
Jan Parisian
August 10, 2011
I met Eleanor about 20 years ago though an MSU venture with Focus Hope. What a remarkable woman, with great insight and organizational skills. May you rest in peace, Eleanor. My prayers are with your family for their great loss.
Pamela Matteson
August 10, 2011
Rest in the arms of our Savior Jesus Christ. The goodness you have shown will shine like the stars in the sky. God Bless your family in this time of sorrow. I never met you but know of your good work for the good of the people.
Sandy Krause
August 10, 2011
My condolences to Michael and his family. You're mother was one in a million. I know that you will miss her and I pray that you will have the courage that you will need in the following days. Sandy Krause (Sherry
s mom)
JULIE ROSARIO
August 10, 2011
ELEANOR, A GREAT JOB WELL DONE ON THIS EARTH WITH YOUR LOVE AND COMPASSION YOU TRUELY WILL BE MISSED. THANK YOU FOR ALL THAT YOU'VE DONE TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED. YOU WILL BE BLESSED BY THE LORD. REST IN PEACE.
August 10, 2011
"To the family of Eleanor Josaitis~ I am sorry to read of your loss. As you endeavor to comfort one another as a family may "the God of all comfort" give you peace. 1Cor 1:3,4. ~ Glenda, Alabama
The Long Family
August 10, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Henryk Zaleski
August 10, 2011
May the Lord have mercy on your soul and may you rest in His mercy.
Maree Mulvoy
August 10, 2011
She was an inspiration to all and has earned her eternal reward. Rest in peace, and may God bless your life and work. This is a testament to the power of one person.
Shirley Griffin
August 10, 2011
To the family of Eleanor Josaitis I am so sorry for your loss may our loving heavenly father be with you in your time of grief.
Theresa Campbell
August 9, 2011
May the family of Eleanor Josaitis find peace and comfort in knowing God cares for you and will strengthen you in your time of sorrow.
Kimtraila Williams
August 9, 2011
To: Ms. Eleanor Josaitis Family,
Kimtraila pray that in this time of loss
You’ll feel God’s love much more
And that you’ll find your comfort
In the presence of the Lord
Kimtraila pray God pours upon you
His sweet amazing grace
And overflow your heart with peace
As you live in His embrace.
God Bless,
Kimtraila Williams
Ruth Haddock
August 9, 2011
As a former Classmate of Mary, I had the pleasure of knowing your Mother personally. My you find comfort in knowing all the lives she touched and all the wonderful things she accomplished. She was
truly a wonderful person. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Judy
August 9, 2011
May the angels lead her to Paradise. She has earned her crown. What a wonderful person. My sympathy and prayers to her family. God rest her soul!
Pete Ulicny
August 9, 2011
Co-founding Focus:HOPE was an incredible thing on the part of Ms. Josaitis. May she rest in peace. God bless her family and friends.
marilynn hockenhull
August 9, 2011
For years, Mrs. Josaitis and Father Cunningham were great role models for me. I have also worked to promote equality, education, job training, mentoring, and in seeing that every person has worth no matter their cicumstances or station in life. Focus Hope has always been around during my adult life, and I always loved attending Mass when Father Cunningham was a guest priest at Christ the King. I send my condolences to her family and ask that they always honor her by walking in her footsteps. They are so lucky to have had the influence of wonderful parents and a terrific priest. Please accept my sincere sympathy. We all feel a tremendous loss. She and Father Cunningham are together again. May they both rest in peace. "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
R Golay
August 9, 2011
To the the family of Eleanor Josaitis - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.
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