Bridget A. Smukala, 82, of Pt. Austin passed away Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe after a long illness. She was born on June 2, 1931, in Roseville, the daughter of the late Paul and Stella (Nadolski) Yaroch.
She and Edward K. Smukala were married in November 1954 in Port Austin. He preceded her in death on January 19, 2004. She was born and raised in Roseville and moved to Pt. Austin where she spent most of her life and raised her family. She was a member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Pt. Austin and loved to sing in church and spend time outdoors.
She worked at the Paper Roll Factory for many years in Pt. Austin and was a housekeeper for Sun N Sand Motel, Pt. Austin. She enjoyed working in her yard and loved taking care of her Pug dogs, Cookie and Cocoa. She loved to dance, enjoyed polka music and especially loved to be with her family and friends.
Bridget is survived by one step-daughter, Lois Lower and companion, Marcie White of Manassas, VA; three daughters, Margaret (Smukala) (Howard) Crowell of Venice, FL, Debra (Jeff) Nielson of Lapeer, and Donna Gagne and longtime friend, Tim Clapp of Port Austin; two sons, David Smukala and friend, Darlene Fern of Macomb, MI and Michael Smukala and longtime girlfriend Brenda Kosenko of Tempe , AZ; three brothers, Melvin Yaroch of Port Austin, Fr. Paul Yaroch of Fon du Lac, WI, Irvin (Bonnie) Yaroch of Romeo; one sister, Mary Davis of Sterling Heights; thirteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a sister in-law Susie Yaroch and brother in-law, Larry Davis.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2013 at St. Michaels Catholic Church, Port Austin with Fr. Craig Carolan officiating. Burial will be in St. Michaels Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, October 27, 2013 from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the MacAlpine-Gage Chapel, Kinde and 10:00 a.m. Monday at the church.
Memorials may be offered to the Alzheimer's Association.
MacAlpine Funeral Home, Bad Axe is handling the arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.macalpinefuneral.com