Arlene Joan Smigielski

Mrs. Arlene J. Smigielski, 72 of Ubly, manager of Smigielski Funeral Homes, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Huron Medical Center with her devoted family by her side. Arlene was born on November 14, 1939 in Detroit to the late George and Edna (Dembek) Pianczk. She married John B. Smigielski on May 30, 1963 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Detroit. She was a 1957 graduate of Immaculata High School in Detroit and received her bachelor's degree in 1961 from Marygrove College in Detroit .She was employed at Winkleman's Department Store Headquarters for the VP of Merchandising and then for the VP of the Personnel Dept. She was also employed at Kerns Department Store in their Human Resources dept. She worked for the VP of Human Resources at General Motors Headquarters for 8 years before becoming a stay at home mom. Arlene and John moved to Ubly in 1981 when they purchased what is now known as the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home. She became involved in the community in many ways. She was a parishioner at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly where she was a Religious Education teacher and a member of Circle #4, Queen of Angels and past president, vice-president and secretary of the Christian Mothers. She was also a former president and member of the parish council, serving under four different priests. She was a past president and board member at Sleeper Public Library in Ubly for many years. She was a member of the Ubly Community Club and a charter member of the Ubly Lioness Club. Arlene was a woman of very strong faith. She was by far one of the most kind and thoughtful people that walked the earth. Her heart was as big as the universe, always caring for and worrying about others. She enjoyed reading, sending cards for all occasions, especially to the children in her extended family and many other children in the area.She never forgot a anniversary, birthday or get well wish. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Arlene is survived by her devoted husband of 48 years, John Smigielski of Ubly; one Son, Mark Smigielski and his wife, Jennifer of Minden City; one daughter, Michelle Genis of Ruth; three grandchildren, Miranda and Suzanne Smigielski and Zachery Genis; her dear sister, Beverly Woycik of Lapeer; one brother-in-law, Herman Smigielski and his wife, Ilene of Clinton Twp.; eight cousins; four special nephews and their families, one special niece, many cousins; her lifetime friend, Deanna Siezinger of Caseville and many other loving friends. She was preceded in death by one brother-in-law, Lawrence "Larry" Woycik, three aunts, Helen Siladke, Lenore Lulis and Cecil Babbish; three uncles, Edward Siladke, Walter Babbish, and Edward Lulis. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Saturday, January 28 at St. John Catholic Church in Ubly. Rev. Patrick O'Connor, pastor at St. Brigid Catholic Church in Midland, will officiate. Burial will be in the St. John Cemetery in Ubly. Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly on Thursday from 6-9 pm, Friday from 1-9 pm and Saturday from 9-10 am. There will be a parish vigil service Thursday evening at 7 pm and a St. John Christian Mother rosary on Friday at 5 pm. Both services will be at the funeral home. Arlene’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff of Huron Medical Center and Alpha Omega Home Health Care for the amazing and loving care given to Arlene during her illness. In Lieu of flowers, Arlene's wishes for donations were to her grandchildren's education fund, St. John Religious Education Fund or the Family Discretionary Fund.