Joan Samalik, 87, passed away peacefully October 10, 2017 surrounded by her family.
Joan was born June 7, 1930 in Bay City Michigan to Harold and Eileen DePrekel. After graduating from St. James High School, she married Lt. James Samalik (USAF) on September 2, 1950. She had many interests and talents. Joan lived overseas for many years and traveled extensively in post war Europe and the Middle East combining her love of travel, sacred art and history. She was especially fond of Rome and the Holy Land. Joan was a voracious reader, gourmet cook and talented artist studying oil painting in Germany. After her husband’s retirement from the Air Force they returned to Michigan and eventually moved to Gaylord to her cherished cottage on Otsego Lake.
Joan’s greatest love was her Catholic faith which she was careful to instill in her beloved children and grandchildren. She had a particular devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help and was a longtime parishioner at St. Mary Cathedral.
She is survived by her Sons, Michael (Nidia), Patrick, and David (Cari) and her grandchildren, Joann, Michelle, Matthew, Sam and Bindi, her sister, Nanette Callahan, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Joan is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Eileen and her husband James.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 11:00 AM from St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord.
Visitation will be held at Nelson Funeral Home on Friday, October 13, 2017 from 4:00-8:00 PM with a rosary and vigil service at 7:00 PM, and on Saturday, at the cathedral, beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of Mass.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s honor may be made to St. Mary Cathedral Catholic School.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
9 comments on “Samalik, Joan M.”
Oh Samaliks…..So sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a wonderful lady. Prayers from my family to yours.
To the Samalik Family….Our thoughts and prayers to your whole family as you journey thru this sad period in your life. May God give you healing as you remember all your cherished memories.
Mike, Pat and David, please accept my sincere condolences
Regards, Jerry Thompson
Our prayers to your family for the loss of your Mother.May she Rest In Peace..Eternal Rest Grant upon Her Oh Lord,and let Perpetual Light shine upon her..
Pat and Matt……we are keeping you and the rest of your family in our hearts and in our prayers. So very sorry for your loss. May the Angels lead Joan to paradise, and may God grant you peace and comfort.
Julie, Charlie, Patrick and Daniel
I’m so sorry to hear this. Joan was a lovely lady!
To the Samalik family, I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Dear Mike, Nidia & family,
We are so sorry to hear of your mothers passing. It is so hard to lose a parent..
You must have so many fond memories growing up . She sounds like a beautiful and caring lady.
Keep those memories close to your hearts and share them with your loved ones to help to heal the pain you are feeling.
Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Blessings,
Wayne & Lynda Carpenter.
To the Samalik family
My thoughts and prayers are with you . So sorry for your loss. Your mom will be greatly missed.