Obituary: Jackie Pharo Walrath

MADISON - Jackie Pharo Walrath, age 63, passed away on Monday, Sept. 27, 2004, at St. Marys Hospital. Jackie was born in Beloit, on Nov. 12, 1940. She has lived in Madison the past 49 years. She attended Central High School. She was widowed in 1967, and never remarried. Jackie was a foster care provider for Dane County for 18 years and provided care for more than 200 children. Jackie passed peacefully, surrounded by family and friends. Her last few years were difficult due to COPD, diabetes, and a failing heart. Through it all she maintained a strong will to live. Jackie was a very giving, unselfish person, always putting other's needs before her own. She was an avid reader and had a passion for Native American art. Jackie will be missed. Jackie is survived by her son, Jim Walrath of Madison; daughter, Dinyel Walrath of Oregon; and three grandsons, Branden Walrath, Dreyson Anderson and Dylan Anderson, all of Oregon. Also surviving are five brothers, David Pharo of Ocala, Fla., Denny (Lisa) Pharo of Westport, Dick (Elise) Pharo of Brooklyn, Bob (Candy) Pharo of Evansville, and a half brother, Gene Pharo of St. Petersburg, Fla.; a sister, Linda (Jerry) Dubois of Madison; her stepmother, Doris Pharo of Pinellas Park, Fla.; nieces and nephews, Tracy Pharo Fillback of Montfort, Eric Dubois of Madison, Robin Pharo of Barneveld, Marcel Dubois of Madison, Nicholas Pharo of Brooklyn, and Justin Pharo and Janelle Pharo of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and seven great nieces and great nephews. Additional survivors include Jackie's dear lifelong friend, Sue Ann (Skip) Geir of Oregon. Jon England and Dawn Mick, both of Madison were favorites of Jackie's. Jackie was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Walrath; her parents, Douglas and Irene Pharo; her grandparents, Blanche and Henry Pharo of Madison; and Edna Pharo, the aunt who raised her. To all the kids and young adults Jackie cared for over the last 18 years, please join us in saying goodbye on Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., from 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Jackie and her family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all those who provided care and compassion to Jackie over the past few years. Jackie's children would like to thank the aunts and uncles for assisting Jackie in her time of need and for being there for her when she needed them the most. Jackie will be missed. Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on October 3, 2004