Jean Lucille (Gingell) Tomaski, loving and devoted grandmother, mother, aunt, and friend to many whose lives she touched, left this earthly realm on May 6, 2022. Jean died peacefully surrounded by family in her 91st year.
Born on a family farm in Johannesburg, Michigan, Jean was a life-long resident of the area. She graduated from Gaylord High in 1949 and worked as a bookkeeper for a number of years. Jean met her loving husband Alex Tomaski – the owner of a very attractive Lincoln automobile – in 1950, and they were married in December of the following year.
Jean lived a full life as a wonderful mother, wife, role model, and devoted public servant. After caring for her children and her niece for the first several years of their lives, she returned to her career as a bookkeeper before being elected City Clerk of Gaylord. She served in that capacity for 24 years prior to her retirement in 1989.
Jean’s most significant love was her family, and she was prepared to feed any number who would stop in for Sunday dinners. Throughout her life, Jean enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and traveling with Alex during their retirement.
Jean is the beloved mother of Steve (Mary) Tomaski and Sandy (Nick) Chaffee; proud grandmother of Dan (Anna), Ryan, Beth (Jake), Luke (Edith), and Becky; and great-grandmother of seven.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alex; devoted son, Steve; parents, Herb and Fay (Briley) Gingell; and sister, Eileen (Frank) Fox.
Jean’s family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff at The Brook for their loving care over the last several months.
A celebration of Jean’s life will take place on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at 11:00 am at Nelson’s Funeral Home of Gaylord with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday, May 10, 2022, from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to The Care Team Hospice by mailing your donation to 5401 Gateway Center, Suite D, Flint, MI 48507 with “Jean Tomaski-Gaylord Donation” written in the memo line or to Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral Schools online at https://stmarycathedralnlcc.weshareonline.org/ws/opportunities/SchoolSupport/donate.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
5 comments on “Jean L. Tomaski”
Sandy, your mother was a very special person. And I will miss your beautiful mother along with you. I am wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time … our minds hold the memories, our hearts keep the love and our faith lets us know that we will all meet again. My heart is with you and your family.
Aunt Jean was special. In her later years, whenever we would visit it was like going back in time. She remembered things from when I was a child, so many happy memories. She will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to all her loved ones.
Dear Sandy and family,
Sorry for your loss of your wonderful mother!🙏🏼 You are all in my prayers.
Sandy, Your mother was a great lady and always very congenial to deal with the many times I used to visit her at the city office. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. My thoughts and prayers are for Jean and all the Tomaski family!
My dear cousin was raised on the Gingell Farm and worked shoulder to shoulder with her dad and grandfather, I personally witnessed it. I never will forget Jean riding on the back of a hay baler, tying bales with wire, a sight to see, in a dirt and chafe cloud. She was one tough cookie and we will miss her.
She is with Alex and Steve. Rest In Peace.