Jean Chryst

Madison-Jean Marie Chryst, 3022 Edensway Road, Madison, Wisconsin, a life long resident of Madison, died on July 20, 2016. Jean was born August 12, 1935, the first child of Richard Curtis Chryst and Mildred (Esser) Chryst. She is survived by sisters, Barbara A. Chryst of Bayonne, N.J., and Margaret Chryst (Richard) Bosold of Huntley, Illinois. She is also survived by sister-in-law Patricia P. Chryst and 8 nieces and nephews: Richard W. Chryst, George P. (Shelley) Chryst, Mary Catherine (Robert) Greco, Paul J. (Robin) Chryst, Mary Ellen (David) Strauser, Daniel (Jennifer) Bosold, Julie (Joseph) Petryniec, and Katie (Harper) Chaffee. Other survivors include her cousins Caryl Bremer, Tom (Mardel) Wien, Janet Giffey, and 22 great nieces and nephews: George Thomas, Albion, Keller, Gillian, Jackson, Katy, JoJo, Danny, Chaeli, Chelsea, Joe, Matt, David, John, Blake, Jack, Ben, Jordan, Joey, Jenna, Ellie and Maggie. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, George H. Chryst.

As a student with cerebral palsy, she was very fortunate to have been able to attend the District of Madison’s Washington Orthopedic School until age 18, and learn from the dedicated teachers on the staff. She also successfully completed numerous Girl Scout badges through their Scouting program. Her Religious Education was provided at both Blessed Sacrament and St. Raphael parishes through the dedicated efforts of many religious, including Sister Gerard, OP, Father Joseph Cox, Father Thomas Lourim, and Father Dennis Crowley. A special family friend, Father Ed Heavey, S.J., was always so patient in helping her accept her challenges. Following her schooling at Washington Orthopedic School, she transitioned to the then Madison Vocational School, where she learned and came to enjoy weaving from Mrs. Mina Dutton and Mrs. Grace Krause. She benefitted further from the class taught by Mrs. Clarice Dunn at the First Baptist Church, which taught her to recognize her blessings. Over the 17 years that her mother managed the United Cerebral Palsy Homecrafters Shop, Jean accompanied her each day, and demonstrated her weaving skills to visitors. Jean also thoroughly enjoyed the friendship of the staff, which included Ern Wagner, Shirley Connor, Clara Haack, and Ann Krug.

Jean’s woven items included place mats, baby blankets, shawls, table runners, etc., which were very special gifts for family and friends on numerous occasions. Two of these memorable occasions were when First Lady, Mrs. Dorothy Knowles, selected Jean’s place mats for use in the Governor’s Mansion in Madison, Wisconsin, and when father Campion accepted her hand woven liturgical banner for the original Apostolate television Mass set.

Jean became a member of a small group of adult handicapped individuals who began to meet monthly under the spiritual direction of Father Art Koth. This program laid the foundation for the Apostolate to the Handicapped. Under Father Campion’s leadership, the summer, Christmas and Easter outings became events that Jean truly anticipated. In recent years, the Sunday TV Mass with Father Larry Bakke has remained a very inspirational connection.

Jean was appreciative to her sister-in-law, Patty, brother-in-law, Dick, and close cousins, Caryl Bremer, Janet Wien Giffey, and Tom Wien, as she always felt welcomed into their respective families. Jean also enjoyed Sundays with her Aunt, Musette Chryst, who lived in Madison. Jean’s gratitude extended across generations to Rose Rocca, John Rocca, and most recently Rae Carol Rocca. United Cerebral Palsy staff have always been advocates for Jean, especially Diane and Dave Burling and Barb LeBonne. Dr. Mary Thompson and Dr. Catherine James were consistently attentive to her medical needs. Jean’s family is very appreciative for the care extended by the Hospice staff in both Madison and Janesville. ElderCare and Care Wisconsin provided programs and activities in later years. Through the years Jean has been blessed to have devoted caregivers: Edy, Diana, Harleen, Irin, Nadifa and Jeff, Hade, Maryan, Khadra, and Mubasheer.

Coming from a sports minded family, she enthusiastically followed the exploits of her nieces and nephews, and other family members, and always cheered on Edgewood High School, the Badgers and the Packers. Jean enjoyed Saturday outings with her father to bowl and swim. Jean was also an active participant in the various activities of the Happy Hour Club, along with Inara Dambekain, Patsy Collins and Gene Mears, among others.

Jean was a member of Blessed Sacrament Parish for over 65 years. She attended their “Martha’s Vineyard” program, and their services for homebound parishioners strengthened her faith. In addition, her many companions and drivers included Mary Gene and Susie Roach, Cora Endres, Dorothy Omdahl, Hildegarde Haack, Caryl Bremer and Francis Bosold.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am at BLESSED SACRAMENT CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, WI, on Thursday, July 28, 2016, with the Pastor, Father Andrew McCalpin, O.P., officiating. There will be a visitation from 10:00am until the time of service as well as a visitation on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison.

Memorials may be made to the Apostolate to the Handicapped, Edgewood High School, United Cerebral Palsy, or Blessed Sacrament Parish.

As she now enters eternal life, Jean says “thank you” to all those who supported her to “be all that she could be.”