Jean Thomas "Jeannie" Juraschek

1952 - 2016

WILLIAMSBURG - Jean (Jeannie) Thomas Juraschek, 63, a former bank manager, with an infectious laugh and big smile, died Sunday night after a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. Jeannie is survived by Ted Juraschek, her husband of 35 years, and her brother, Robert Thomas, and his wife, Rosann Caputo Thomas. She was a wonderful and devoted wife, friend, sister-in-law, aunt and businesswoman who lived unpretentiously but genuinely. She was valiant, generous and independent. Ted and Jeannie relocated from Wyckoff NJ to Williamsburg VA in 2005. Jeannie loved to travel, visiting almost 100 countries and the world's seven continents. Perhaps, the most memorable trip was walking with the penguins in Antarctica. She was an avid skier and sailor, alternating in the seasons between Vail and Beaver Creek in Colorado and Long Island Sound. She was a brilliantly creative woman who loved to knit, crochet and needlepoint. The needlepoint belts she made for her husband are a work of art. She made pillows and blankets at Christmas for her nieces and nephews, who reciprocated by showering her with all-things cats, the animals Jeannie wouldn't be without. She was an excellent cook. Her dinner parties, with all the fixings and detailed settings, were amazing. For example she often would dip strawberries and decorate them to look like tuxedos. After she retired from banking, Jeannie joined Williams-Sonoma, where she worked for 11 years. It was there that her husband, Ted, learned of her penchant for shopping. Jeannie and her friends would drive more than two hours to a northern Virginia Williams-Sonoma outlet to scout bargains - and make many purchases. Outside of work, Jeannie gave back by volunteering with the Williamsburg Meals on Wheels. She also loved to read, with works of fiction a regular companion. A native of East Meadow in Nassau County (Long Island) New York, she was the daughter of the late John and Ethel Thomas. A celebration of her life will be held Oct. 1, from 2-5 p.m., at the Williamsburg Landing, 5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Williamsburg Meals on Wheels www.wmbgmealsonwheels.com or UVA Neuro-oncology Research Fund, The Purow Lab c/o E. Cook, PO Box 800432 West Complex, Room 6228 1300 Jefferson Park Avenue, University of Virginia Charlottesville VA 22908-0432. Please leave online condolences at Nelsen Funeral Home www.nelsencares.com.