Julia Marie Prusakiewicz

Julia Marie (Switalski) Prusakiewicz, a beloved matriarch and devoted member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at the tender age of 103, surrounded by family at August Haus Assisted Living in Gaylord. Born on April 16, 1921, in Gaylord, she carved a remarkable life that spanned over a century, filled with love, laughter, and a deep commitment to her family and faith.

In 1940, she graduated from Gaylord St. Mary School. After graduation, she briefly ventured to Detroit where she served meals with grace and charm—most notably, to the notorious Al Capone and his gang. On November 21, 1945, at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord, she married the love of her life, Stanley. Julia’s true calling resonated profoundly in her role as a dedicated stay-at-home mother. She nurtured and raised nine extraordinary children, instilling in them values of compassion, diligence, and integrity. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth, laughter, and scrumptious baked goods, particularly her famous pies and sweet rolls which she generously shared with her Church community. Julia was a diligent worker on the family farm, a steadfast partner to her husband, and his right-hand helper. Whether it was bailing hay, milking cows, or tending to corn and potatoes, her commitment to the land and her responsibilities was second to none.

Julia was an active parishioner at St. Mary Cathedral and a cherished member of the St. Mary Altar Rosary Society, immersing herself in the spiritual fabric of her community. Her unwavering faith was a guiding light, illuminating her days and providing solace to those around her. Julia’s life was highlighted by her deep connections to her family, who were her pride and joy. She relished every moment spent with loved ones, nurturing relationships that have left a lasting legacy.

Her departure from this world comes just nine days shy of her 104th birthday, a poignant reminder of a life well-lived and a heart deeply loved. The memories she leaves behind will continue to inspire, uplift, and guide her family, who carry forth her legacy of love and resilience.

She is survived by her nine children, Robert (Barbara) of Taylor, MI., Diane (Virgil) Wiechec of Bay City, MI., James (Gail) of Gaylord, Dolores Erndt of Bay City, MI., Thomas (Cynthia) of Gaylord, Ernest (Kathy) of Gaylord, Eugene (Sheila) of Petersburg, MI., Gerald (Tricia) of Dexter, MI., and Marvin (Denise) of Gaylord; 27 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great grandchildren; her sister, Lucy Dombkowski of Farmington Hills; her brother-in-law, Richard (Margaret) Prusakiewicz; her sister-in-law, Jo Anne Prusakiewicz and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Sabina (Jaruzel) Switalski; her husband, Stanley on February 1, 1995; her siblings, Walter, Julian, Vera Dreffs, Mary Jozwiak, Martha Mitchell, Ted, Casmir, John, Edward, Francis Jr., Stanley and Roman.

Visitation will take place on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 3:00 - 6:00 PM at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, with the St. Mary Altar Rosary Society offering a Rosary at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with visitation at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Cathedral. Burial will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Cathedral or to St. Mary Cathedral School.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on her guestbook below.