Grace Elisabeth ("Elsie") Krupka (nee Jankoowski) Ph.D

Dr. Grace Elizabeth "Elsie" Krupka, age 84, passed away after an extended illness on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Born the daughter of the late Ronald and Irenia (nee Jabut), "Elsie" was raised in the Kaisertown Section of Buffalo New York. She attended public schools and the University at Buffalo where she met her husband to be Richard Krupka. Elsie received her BA and master's Degrees from the University at Buffalo and earned her Ph.D. in Social Work at Brown University. She them returned to Buffalo and married her sweetheart Rich. Her career spanned decades working as a Social Worker and Administrator for Senior and Elder Care for Erie and Monroe Counties. She was fierce advocate for children's rights and Senior Care having worked in collaboration with many attorneys and agencies for human and civil rights. Her husband Rich passed away in 2009 and Elsie moved to Boston MA to be close to her daughter Christine and family. While in Boston she continues her advocacy with many organizations on a volunteer basis seeking her expertise and tenacious attitude. She had a love of animals and contributed her time, compassion and resources to various pet and animal rights group. After 10 years in Boston, she returned to her beloved Buffalo where she remained until her passing. In addition to her daughter, Christine Krupka-Halstead, Esq. she is also survived by her son-in-law Jack Halstead, Esq. Grandmother of Sheila (Douglas) Bakowski, CA, Kevin (Laurie) Krupka, Jackson (Teresa) Krupka and Jacqueline (Patrick) Kennedy. Great grandmother of Laurel (Thomas) Benton, Hanna Kennedy, Joseph (Regina) Bakowski and Yarrah Bakowski. She is pre-deceased in death by her brother Stanley (survived by Helen) Jankowski and also her sister and brother-in-law Marcia & Donald Skierpski. Several nieces and nephews also survive Elsie as does her lifelong friend Kathrine (late George) Lowell. She loved and adored her dogs, all of whom pre-deceased her, Lucky, Jasper, lovely and Trixie and her parrot Baby. A gathering in honor and celebration of her extraordinary life and accomplishments will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd for the immediate family. Expressions of sympathy may be directed to the SPCA of Erie County 300 Harlem Road W. Seneca NY 14224 or online at yourspca.org. Family and friends are cordially invited to sign the online guest book, share a favorite memory and light a candle on her tribute page at www.kevinmmasonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Kevin M. Mason Funeral Home 154 Weimar Street Buffalo NY 14206. (716) 362-0199 Fax" (716) 462-5355 Email: kevinmmason@yahoo.com.

Grace Elisabeth ("Elsie") Krupka (nee Jankoowski) Ph.D

June 5, 1941 - August 28, 2025