A Legacy of Love and Faith

Ed Jankowski

Ed Jankowski

As his wife of 25 years lay in a coma during the last weeks of her life, Ed Jankowski was desperate to bring her some peace. Joyce was the love of his life, and though he was not ready to say good-bye, he knew the time was drawing near.

Both Joyce and Ed had been raised in Catholic families, but they had drifted from the Church over time. Despite that fact, Ed was certain that Joyce would want to receive the anointing of the sick. Ed called Father Leckie, pastor of St. Joseph, Hope Valley, and explained that his wife was dying. He asked if Father would come and anoint Joyce. Father Leckie arrived on his doorstep within the hour.

"Since then, I have grown stronger in my faith," Ed says. "Through my pastor's understanding and patience, I have found peace and love in Jesus."

It has been 10 years since Joyce's death, and Ed is now a very active member of St. Joseph Parish. In making plans for his own financial future, Ed has decided to include St. Joseph Parish in a special way. He has created the Joyce and Edward Jankowski Permanent Endowment Fund as a perpetual honor to his wife. The annual distributions from this fund will benefit the parish Ed loves.

"For what the Catholic Church has done for Joyce and me, this is the least I can do to encourage the growth of faith in our parish. I am so grateful."

Ed's donation will be managed by the Catholic Foundation of Rhode Island.

Leave Your Legacy

You can follow in Ed's footsteps and leave your own legacy of love and faith. Contact Rich Popovic at rpopovic@dioceseofprovidence.org or 401-277-2115 to learn more about your giving options.