Madelene Agnes Kanarowski

Obituary Madelene Agnes Kanarowski was born on May 9, 1939 as the daughter of John Hunt Sr. and Maude (Bobby) Hunt. She went to St. Patrick's Grade School and Aquinas Academy, both of which added a strong foundation to the Catholic faith she obtained from her family. She went on to the University of Washington, where she majored and graduated in economics. She became a dedicated and lifelong member of the Pi Beta Phi Sorority. Madelene was a classic people oriented person, and was a natural to be elected and serve as the University's Student Body Secretary. While in that role she cheered on the Huskies at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Madelene also qualified for the Miss Washington contest in 1960 by being selected that year as Miss Tacoma. After graduating from UW Madelene was selected to be a stewardess with Pan Am. She wanted to travel the world, and loved the adventure of cities such as New York, San Francisco, London and Paris. In 1963 she was assigned to Seattle and met her husband and the love of her life Stanley M. Kanarowski Jr., an Army Captain stationed at Fort Lewis. After an extended Vietnam tour, Stan returned and Madelene and Stan were married in 1966. They celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last summer. When they were initially married, Madelene and Stan were stationed in the D.C. area. Madelene's dream as a child was to have a family. Her proudest accomplishment were her four children. She loved her six grand children. Madelene was a devoted Army wife. She lived in many places including Heidelberg, Augsburg, Stuttgart, Wurzburg, Munich and Brussels. The highlight was Garmisch-Partenkirchen, where she loved to ski with her family and her many German and American friends. Madelene and her children spent every winter in Garmisch for 16 years. She was an accomplished ski instructor and the ultimate "ski mom". As a result her children developed into successful ski racers. Madelene also sent the four children to German schools, where they gained a multicultural perspective and many German friends. Madelene was also the Head Librarian at the Garmisch Base Library. In 1985, her oldest daughter Anna (now surviving) was diagnosed with Leukemia. Madelene returned to the US with her daughter and stayed there to support her thru the first six months of treatment. She was at her daughter's side until the cancer was in remission and both of them returned to Germany. When her husband retired Madelene became a Financial Planner with American Express in Tacoma where she worked for 15 years. After she sold her practice in 2006 she was able to enjoy splitting her time between Tacoma and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. But she found time to help the founding of Tacoma South Rotary and to assist with many volunteer projects. Throughout her life Madelene was an athlete and had a love for adventure. While in college she became the first woman life saver at American Lake and at Point Defiance. She was an excellent water skier and road the top of the skier pyramid. She was an avid golfer and captain of the Tacoma Country and Golf Club's Lady's 9 Hole Group. After she no longer was a "ski mom" she continued her skiing with the Lakewood ski bus. Madelene also liked to ride the bike trails in Jackson Hole with her family and friends. Her favorite vacations were spent in Hawaii with her husband, even this last October. Madelene and her husband were members of St. Frances Cabrini parish, where her parents had been long-time members as well. Both her father and mother had their memorials here. She was also a member of Our Lady of the Mountains in Jackson Hole. Madelene died on January 26, 2012 with her husband by her side after a long, courageous battle with cancer that began in 2005. She had resolved to survive. She was a strong and dynamic in the battle. Her friendly, strong, loving, patient, fair and honest nature, along with her outgoing, high-energy spirit for adventure and a joyful sense of humor were her assets. Until her death she didn't complain, but as she had done her entire life, was attentive to others with a smile, friendly word or help and assistance. Her strengths will be an inspiration to all of us. We will remember the countless wonderful times we shared together with Madelene as family and friends. We were lucky to have her as wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt and friend. We will miss her. Madelene is survived by husband Stanley M. Kanarowski Jr., brother John F. Hunt Jr., her children Stanley M. Kanarowski III, Anna S. Marderosian, John F. Kanarowski, Julie K.Turner, her grandchildren, Alexa Kanarowski, Emmy Kanarowski, Kendall Kanarowski, Vivian Turner, Luke Kanarowski, Sebastian Turner, sister-in-laws Nancy Cioffari and Sister Marie Feuillet, brother-in-law Robert Cioffari, daughters-in law Betsy Kanarowski and Kim Kanarowski, sons-in law Paul Marderosian and Joshua Turner, nephews Robert Hunt, Jerry Hunt, Charles Hunt, David Hunt, Joseph Cioffari, niece Carolyn Cioffari, and grand-nephews, grand-nieces and second cousins. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, February 3 at 2 pm at St. Frances Cabrini Church in Lakewood, Washington. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.Charitable contributions in her honor can be made to St. Patrick Catholic School (1112 N G Street, Tacoma, WA 98403), St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church (5505 108th Street S.W., Lakewood, WA 98499), or the Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (201 South Street, Jackson, WY 83001).