Alfreda Bukowski

Alfreda Bukowski

Alfreda Bukowski was taken home by the Lord on December 12, 2016 just six weeks before her 100th birthday. She died on what was her late husband Anthony's (Tony) 100th birthday, so they are celebrating in heaven together.

Alfreda was born on January 26, 1917 in Croswell, Michigan to the late Bernice and Albert Smith. She graduated from Croswell High School and attended Port Huron Cosmetology School where she earned her cosmetology license.  She worked at Sam Smith's Beauty Salon in Port Huron and  married Anthony "Tony" Bukowski on February 15, 1947.  Together they moved into their home of more than 63 years on McBrady Street, Port Huron where they raised two children, Bonnie and Dick.

To be home with her children, Alfreda built and operated her own beauty salon in her home where she enjoyed a continuing and loyal clientele. She retired in 1985 and became an avid golfer.  She and Tony relished the company and camaraderie of many friends at the Elks and Willow Ridge Golf Clubs.  She also enjoyed playing cards with the ladies at both clubs.  She and Tony traveled throughout the United States visiting Bonnie and Dick wherever their jobs had taken them: Massachusetts, Mississippi, Indiana, Georgia, Illinois, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba,  Texas, Hawaii, California, and Michigan. She and Tony attended high school graduations, gymnastics competitions, most of her grandchildren's weddings and took special pride in all of their accomplishments.

Alfreda was an active member of St. John's United Church of Christ where she was a long-time member of the Mary Martha Guild and JOY Ladies.  She served on the Board of Christian Nurture and taught Sunday School for many years.

Alfreda resided in Mercy Village for five years before moving to Marwood Nursing Home. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Eleanor Thibdaue, Velma Nichols, Verda Murray Morris; niece Patricia Walmer; and husband of more than 65 years, Anthony (Tony) Bukowski. She is survived by her daughter Bonnie (Gary) Laughlin of Peoria, Arizona; son Richard (Carmen) Bukowski of Williamsburg, Michigan; grandchildren Scott (Robin) Laughlin of Ramona California,  Michael (Mary Lynn) Mortimer of Lake Mary, Florida, Kimberly (Eric) Tittelbaugh of Flagstaff, Arizona, Kristen (Gregory) Berman of Oceanside, California; nieces Joan Vermander, Marysville, Michigan and Bernice (James) Lynch of Sebring, Florida, and 13 great grandchildren Josh Mortimer-Wright, Emily Berman, Henry Berman, Kolten Mortimer, Kearsten Mortimer, Katarina Laughlin, Ashley Tittelbaugh, Robin Tittelbaugh, Sarah Tittelbaugh, Jamison Laughlin, Johanna Laughlin, Kendall Laughlin, and Kiara Laughlin.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Smith Family Funeral Home-North at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2017 which would have been her 100th Birthday. Dr. Richard Hotchkin of St. John's United Church of Christ will officiate. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m.  Inurnnment will be next to her husband Tony in the Allied Veterans Columbarium in Port Huron, MI. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. John's Church, Port, Huron, Michigan.  To send condolences, please visit smithfamilyfuneralhome.com