Independent Living Research Utilization

We create opportunities for independence for people with disabilities through research, education, and consultation

About ILRU

Projects

Publications

Technical Assistance

Training

Webinar Calendar

ILRU Directory of CILs/SILCs

What's New

Join Our Mailing Lists

Contact Us

ILRU is a program of
TIRR Memorial Hermann

In Memoriam

ILRU extends sympathy to the family of Michelle Johnson Krajewski, who passed away on Friday, August 31.

Michelle Anne Johnson Krajewski (1958 - 2012)

Michelle Anne Johnson Krajewski of Kansas City, Mo., passed away August 31, 2012, after a courageous 14-month battle with cancer.

Michelle was born Dec. 23, 1958, in Rochester, Minn. At the time of her passing, Michelle worked at The Whole Person in Kansas City as Public Policy Director. Michelle was a dedicated Advocate for people with disabilities as she worked with the legislature in Jefferson City and as a board member for the National Council for Independent Living.

Michelle married her best friend and love of her life, Jim, in 1996 in Rochester. She is survived by Jim, her parents, Robert and Sandra Johnson of Rochester; her sister, Andrea and brother-in- law John Swanson and their children Matthew, Aaron, and Katelyn. Michelle is also survived by an extended, loving family that includes her grandmother, aunts, uncles, cousins, and in-laws.

Michelle loved her family, friends, music, and adventures. She loved to laugh and her laugh was beyond infectious as it routinely filled rooms. Michelle lived her life with a passion for caring, helping, and advocating for all people. As she passed, Michelle was surrounded by the love, comfort, and protection of people who cared deeply for her. The two weeks Michelle spent in home hospice were filled with reflection, sadness, joy, family, faith and above all love.

The visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5. Michelle's funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 6. Both services will be at St. Francis Xavier Church, 1001 East 52nd Street, Kansas City, Mo. A memorial service will also take place in Rochester at a time to be determined later. The world lost a strong, dedicated woman but gained a precious angel.

Arrangements: Cremation Society of KS and MO, 5561 NW Barry Rd., (816) 822-9888. Online condolences at www.kccremation.com Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri.

A copy of the obituary is available here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/kansascity/obituary.aspx?pid=159659431#storylink=cpy

The complete ILRU website was developed with support from grants from the Department of Education. However, its contents and the opinions expressed do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and no endorsement by the Department should be inferred. ILRU is a program of TIRR Memorial Hermann (The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research), a nationally recognized medical rehabilitation facility for persons with disabilities.

Last Modified: September 5, 2012