Colleen Marie Jozwiak, age 76, of Gaylord, passed away on Friday, January 27, 2023, after a 2-year battle with stomach cancer.
Colleen was born on March 5, 1946, in Petoskey, MI, to William and Ruth (Morrow) Hoffman. She grew up in Petoskey and graduated from St. Francis Xavier High School, attended North Central Michigan College, and ultimately graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor’s degree. Colleen was a teacher for many years and taught at both Gaylord Community Schools and then Vanderbilt Area Schools, where she retired in 2003.
Colleen married Bernard Jozwiak on July 27, 1968. Together they raised two daughters, Julie and Shelly. In addition to teaching, Colleen also farmed with Bernie and his parents on their family farm in the Gaylord area.
Colleen enjoyed baking, cooking, farming, boating, waterskiing, and dancing, but the most important thing to her was her family.
Colleen was preceded in death by her father, William in 1955; her husband, Bernie in 1997; and her son-in-law, Craig in 2021.
She is survived by her two daughters, Julie (Craig, deceased) Sidelinger of Ypsilanti, MI, and Shelly (Jason) Kellogg of Bonners Ferry, ID; five grandchildren, Evan, Elijah, and Isaiah Kellogg, and Paulina and Daniel Sidelinger. She is also survived by her mother Ruth Hoffman; brothers, Joe, Mark (Sue), and Paul (Carrie) Hoffman; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held at the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord, MI, on Friday, February 3, 2023, from 5-7 p.m.
A short visitation will also be held at Holy Redeemer Church in Vanderbilt, MI, on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. A luncheon of Colleen’s favorite comfort foods will follow the service at the Holy Redeemer parish hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made by mail, to the Otsego County Animal Shelter, 256 Fairview Rd., Gaylord, MI 49735.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
12 comments on “Colleen M. Jozwiak”
I am so sorry to hear this. Mrs. Jozwiak was my 6th grade teacher and she was really so nice. Years later our daughters played on the softball team. One day in the stands, she was telling someone about some things that happened in our class and the person said, “no…” and I couldn’t help but respond, “She’s telling the truth. I was in that class and I remember that.” After I told her my name, we had a great laugh about our having daughters the same age. We ran into each other frequently for a while after that.
My sincere condolences to Julie and Shelly and family. I’m sure you know how many lives were touched by your mom. I’ll remember her as a really nice person with such a great smile. May she Rest In Peace.
Who was your daughter that played sports with us?
Julie, Shelly and family; We extend our sincere condolences to all of you on the passing of your mother and grandmother. Colleen was a very warm and giving person and a very hard worker. We will remember her and all the good times we shared. May God comfort you all during this difficult time.
Mike and Connie Zaborowsk
Dear friend Colleen, you are with the Lord and no more suffering. Rest in Peace.
Deepest Sympathy to the entire family.
Darlene
Julie and Family, I’m very sorry for the loss. You are in my thoughts.
Lifes struggles are now over may you rest in peace. My heart goes out to your family.❤️
Shelly and Family.
Please accept our deepest condolences to you and your family for the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother.
The men and women of Customs and Border Protection, Eastport Port of Entry.
My sweet friend Colleen, so giving and caring. A shining light wherever she went. I’ll miss her greatly and our dances will never be quite the same without her. My sincere condolences to you Julie and Shelly and your families.
My dearest friend Colleen, to a kind and much loved woman, who brought a smile to everyone she meets. , upbeat , friendly , and a good dancer, I will miss your warm embrace, My condolences go out to you Shelly and Julie ,and your families. May she be at peace with the Lord .she will be In our prayers 🙏
Julie and Shelly and family:
So very sorry to hear the passing of your mom. Collen was always a smile in the world. I loved to watch her dance at different festivals and events. She was truly the bell of the ball.
We were also very fortunate to be her neighbor and loved that she sold us our property on Winters Rd.
Thinking of all you and sending our love and prayers to all.
Love Doug and Brenda Snapp
Colleen was a wonderful lady that loved her family, friends and her forest. All of us at Martell Forestry will miss Colleen and we send our prayers and condolences to her family for this great loss.
Keith and Boots Martell and Meg Holcomb.
Julie and Family…I just saw this. I am very saddened to see that your Mom is gone. I had no idea. She was the sweetest lady and I am so glad to have known her. She always greeted me with a warm smile and a big hug. I will certainly miss running into her and watching her on the dance floor ! I’m sorry.
Laurie Zaremba