Janice Ann Chmela
(1937-2003)
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It is a very sad day for The Jim Mullen Foundation family. Janice Ann Chmela who was at the source of the love, laughter and inspiration for the foundation's family and friends died peacefully in St. Anthony's Hospital in Michigan City, Indiana after a three month fight with lung cancer. Janice was also the project manager for the upcoming New Freedom Awards Gala.
JANICE ANN CHMELA
Janice Ann Chmela born September 4th, 1937 in Chicago, daughter of late John and Anne (McMahon)Litz, dear sister to Jack (Virginia) Litz, beloved wife of William Donald Chmela (46 years married); mother of Michael (Gina) Chmela, William (Janice) Chmela, John (Janet) Chmela , Maribeth (William) Ruehlmann, and the late Steven Joseph Chmela. Loving Nana to Steven, Jack, Elizabeth, Erin, Billy, Katie, and Michael.
Janice was a retired and respected educational truancy consultant. She created the Truancy Alternative Program (TAP-ONE) during her 24 years at the Chicago Public Schools (1966-1990) and served as a truancy consultant for three more years for schools throughout the State of Illinois. Janice’s legacy in the Chicago Public Schools was her transformational truancy prevention programs that revolutionized attendance in the Chicago Public Schools and her published group guidance programs that are still being used today to help at-risk children.
Janice retired early at the age of 55 and traveled extensively throughout the world. During her 46 years marriage to William, Janice traveled to all 50 states in the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom.
Janice was an author of several books and was still writing at the time of her passing. The following is a short excerpt from “My Story”, an unfinished manuscript that Janice left as a legacy to her family and friends.
All our lives have a beginning, a middle, and an end. We don’t know how much time will be given to each of us. Time is precious because once it is gone you can never get it back. So, at age 65, with the knowledge that my time here may be limited, I want to try to retrieve important recollections that I can share with you.
The past is gone, the future is not guaranteed, so it is important that we do the things we want to do now in the present.
Facing our mortality gets easier when we realize that in life – we came from somewhere before we arrived here and we will be going somewhere when we leave. Obviously, we left familiar surroundings at birth and we will be leaving familiar surroundings at death. The whole idea is that while it is a “personal” journey, we will have family and friends to guide us along the way. It is scary – but it is also an adventure.
Recently, Janice became a volunteer for The Jim Mullen Foundation and served as the project manager for the upcoming New Freedom Awards that will honor organizations that provide new freedoms for people who have a disability. The New Freedom Awards was inspired by former Chicago Police Officer, Jim Mullen’s participation in the signing of the New Freedom Initiative in the East Room of the White House in February 2001.
The First Inaugural New Freedom Awards Gala will be held in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier on July 22nd, 2003 in loving remembrance of Janice Ann Chmela.
Janice will be missed by many, and lovingly welcomed by many including her mother, father, and son, Steven.
Visitation on Thursday, March 6th, 2003 2pm to 9pm at:
Andrew J McGann & Son Funeral Home
10727 South Pulaski Road
Chicago, IL 60655
(773) 783-7700
Funeral Procession will be held on Friday, March 7th, 2003 9:00am leaving Andrew J McGann & Son Funeral Home to:
St Thomas More Church
2825 West 81st Street
Chicago, IL 60652
(773) 436-4444
Interment: St. Mary Cemetery, Evergreen Park, Illinois
In leiu of flowers, Janice has asked that contributions in her memory may be made to The Jim Mullen Foundation or Janice's other supported organizations.
The Jim Mullen Foundation
350 West Ontario, Suite 4E
Chicago, IL 60610-4040
(312) 440-4251
The Steven Chmela Reference Center
St. Laurence H.S.
5556 W. 77th Street
Burbank, IL 60459
(708) 458-6900 x219
McDermott Foundation
932 West Washington
Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 783-7700
(708) 423-5400
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McGann Funeral Home
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