Betty Joan Bialk-Ushman

Betty Joan Bialk-Ushman, age 91 of Shelby Township, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy. She was born April 15, 1924 in Cheboygan, Michigan, daughter of the late Carl Lavy and the late Garnet Orilla (nee: Thomas) Hagstrom. Possessing the desire to help educate our youth, Betty furthered her own education by obtaining her teaching credentials,…which she handily put to work as a young teacher in the Cheboygan area where she grew up. From there, she took a teaching position in the Gaylord School System where she spent the next two years of her career. Soon, bigger aspirations came calling which led her further south, this time to the burgeoning community of Warren. Accepting a position within the Warren consolidated School System, that is where she spent the next 42 years of her career, a distinguished and dedicated history of bringing knowledge and wisdom to the minds of countless children over the years. Throughout her years in Warren, Betty was also renown for her involvement in the beginnings of the Warren Schools Credit Union of which she was both a founding member and Director. As if teaching didn't take up a great deal of her time already, Betty's entrepreneurial spirit found her quite engaged in the world of "Fixer-Upper's" where her skills were realized in homes she renovated in cities such as Port Huron, Marine City, Eastpointe, Birmingham, and Shelby Township,…all, of course, in Michigan. When it was time for a little pastime enjoyment, quite often it meant climbing aboard some mode of travel and heading to places both known and unknown. She loved to travel and build upon her memories of scenic highlights visited over the years. She was also a big fan of music,…whether simply in its listening pleasure, dancing to it, or tickling the ivories on the piano, the sound of music always seemed to be the best medicine for her soul. Betty was also known for her artistic tastes and talents, and loved the world of crafts. As for a little crafting of her own, she could work her own kind of magic with a pair of knitting needles. And yes, Betty also possessed a bit of sporting blood in her veins,…which often got excited when she enjoyed a game of baseball with her favorite Boys of Summer, the iconic Detroit Tigers. From time-to-time, there was a special place that called Betty's name and became the perfect little getaway for some well-deserved R&R, and it was located in Homosassa, Florida, nestled high in the upper corner of Florida's Gulf Coast. It was there that Betty enjoyed some of the greatest memories of her life, not to mention a great tan on occasion. Yet when it came to the most endearing memories of all, nothing could match the moments spent with her beloved family and friends. It gave special and heartfelt meaning to everything she strove for, and impacted the lives of both those she touched,…as well as her own. She lived a long and happy life, and it showed in the health picture everybody witnessed simply by looking at her. She was healthy right up to her last days,…and few will forget the day that this 85 year old lady felt just spry enough to go out and purchase a Pontiac Solstice. Not a big and comfortable sedan, mind you,…No,…this baby was one of Pontiac's sportier models. Basically a little two-seater that was designed to be a head-turner,…and that she achieved. A loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Betty leaves behind a legacy of love that will forever be embraced with each reflection shared. She touched a multitude of hearts and souls along the way, and leaves an impact to last a lifetime. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Betty was the beloved wife of the late Elmer Bialk, and recently of William Ushman. Dearest mother of Joelle (Tom) Majerowicz. Sister of Carol Carmody, Don and Carl Hagstrom, and the late Charles and Ken Hagstrom. Loving grandmother of Amy (Eric) Wynn, Tom and John Majerowicz, and great-grandmother of Elijah and Everett. Visitation for Betty will be held Saturday, January 2nd from 5-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Rd. at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd.) inWarren. Her Funeral Service will follow on Sunday, 2:00 pm at the funeral home. Please share memories of Betty at her memory book above.