Juliann "Julia" Mary Michalak passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of ninety nine. She was born on December 5, 1926, in South Bend, Indiana, to Jan and Anna (Maciejczuk) Bielawski. Julia graduated from Saint Casimir School in 1941 and Washington High School in 1945. She often reminisced about her years in the WHS band, especially the joy of playing saxophone at football games at School Field. On May 13, 1950, she married Theodore Michalak, and together they shared a long and devoted marriage until Ted's passing in 1997.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her three older siblings: Evelyn Bielawski Land, Louis Bielawski, and Jeanette Bielawski Sharpe. She is survived by her two sons, Chris (Michelle) and Rick (Amy) Michalak; five grandchildren-Mia (Mike), Kyle, Ian (Danielle), Stephany (Tristan), and Calla; her great grandchild, Hallie Jane; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A lifelong member of Saint Casimir Parish, Julia was deeply involved in parish life. She participated in numerous ministries and organizations, including the choir and the Altar and Rosary Society. Beyond her parish, she was active in the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women, where she served in several leadership roles, including President and Secretary. Julia was especially proud to be a founding member of St. Joseph Right to Life and to have attended the first March for Life in Washington, D.C., in 1974.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Casimir Church on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM, with a family greeting period beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment of ashes will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in the family plot, with a reception afterward. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Casimir Parish for general maintenance and upkeep.

1/27/2026 JEC

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