Shirley “Cookie” Janko, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church on Saturday, August 9th, 2025.
Beloved wife of the late Joseph Janko, devoted mother to the late Thomas Tate, inspirational and doting grandmother to Melissa Tate, Stephanie Wright (Matt), and Candice Dixon. A very important and wise great grandmother to Nicholas Feldt, Thomas Wright, Matthew Wright, and Raven Dugger. Sister of Delores Day and loving aunt and cousin to a huge group.
Loving daughter of the late Joseph Rustige and Lenore Russell.
Cookie was born in Saint Louis on January 12th, 1929, moved to Washington DC after high school and worked at the National Real Estate Board. She loved the vibe and night life there. She loved to dance and listen to live music.
She moved to Wyoming worked for Standard Oil, got married, had her precious son Tom, and came back home to Saint Louis to stay.
Cookie was a central figure and the final link to the past for a lot of people in life. She was always available to any friend or family member no questions asked. She gave unconditional love, respect, understanding, and grace to all she knew.
Her house was a family hub with family members stopping over to visit her and her dear mother almost daily. She wouldn’t let you leave until you ate something or at least had a drink of water. She wouldn’t let up. She was always hospitable and ready to socialize.
As a senior, she worked until she was 88 and still didn’t want to retire. Her work ethic and get up and go attitude was unmatched. She loved to shop and have lunch with her cousin Helen. It was quite a sight.
Cookie’s greatest joy in life was to tell anyone who would listen about her Tommy Tate, her beautiful granddaughters (her words) and her “Little Darling” Nick.
She was the biggest confidence booster, cheerleader, and defender to all she loved.
Cookie will be treasured and remembered for all the love she gave and it was a complete honor to know and love her.
SERVICES: Funeral at KUTIS AFFTON CHAPEL (10151 Gravois Rd., 63123) on Friday, August 15th at 10:00 AM. Interment at Park Lawn Cemetery. Visitation on Thursday, August 14th, 4:00 – 8:00 PM.