Mary A MICHALAK

5 SEP 1955 - 4 APR 2015

• BIRTH: 5 SEP 1955, Bay City, Bay, Michigan
• DEATH: 4 APR 2015, Granger, Harris Township, St. Joseph, Indiana

INDEX

[N12653] Mary A. Michalak
Sept. 5, 1955 - Apr. 4, 2015
GRANGER - Dr. Mary A. Michalak, 59, of Granger, passed away on Saturday, April 4th at home. Mary was born on September 5, 1955 in Bay City, MI to Harry and Leona (Wisniewski) Michalak. On July 19, 1986 in Bay City she married Lynn Schram, who survives along with their son, Luke Schram of Granger. She is also survived by her three brothers: Tom (Kris) of MI, Tim (Nancy) of ME, and Larry (Alison Thorburn) of MI, as well as ten nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Terrance. Mary highly valued her advanced education, having earned a BS from Michigan State University, a MS from the University of Michigan, and a DVM from Purdue University, accomplishing her long-time goal. Mary wanted to make a difference in people's lives, and she did so, especially throughout her years of veterinary medicine, through her ministry to the poor with St. Vincent de Paul Society, and during her 21-month battle with brain cancer. Mary was enthusiastic about life, energetic in how she lived it, and dedicated to her family, friends, and faith. She was also an accomplished pastel artist, enjoyed Jazzercise and bicycling, and could be regularly seen around the neighborhood with her walking poles. Mary's family appreciates the loving support provided by the Center for Hospice Care and by Senior1Care. The help from her many friends was invaluable, as was the medical care of Dr. K. Nicholas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:30 am Friday, April 10, 2015, at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Granger. Visitation for Mary will be on Thursday, April 9 from 4 to 8 pm at St. Pius X, where a Parish Vigil will be prayed at 5 pm. There will also be visitation one hour prior to the Mass on Friday at the Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph County, UIC Brain Tumor Research Fund, or Center for Hospice Care. To send online condolences, please visit www.kaniewski.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on Apr. 7, 2015