Obituary of Julia Bernadette Switanek
Julia Bernadette Zolensky was born on June 23, 1927 in Whitsett, Pennsylvania. She was the sixth of eight children born to her parents, the late Peter and Rose (Moskel) Zolensky.
Julia married her childhood sweetheart, Andrew Switanek, on April 3, 1947. From this union came the birth of five children. Julia’s family came first and she cared for the needs of her husband and children as a homemaker. She proudly raised her children in a Catholic home, where they regularly attended worship at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Newport, where Julia was a member of the Ladies Altar Society. The couple was honored on their 50th wedding anniversary with a plaque and blessing from Pope John Paul II.
Being proud of her Polish heritage, Julia enjoyed listening to music and dancing, especially the Polka. She was a wonderful hostess and always enjoyed entertaining guests. Visitors to the Switanek home could count on the table being set and a wonderful meal being prepared. She loved celebrating every holiday, with Easter being her favorite.
Julia dearly loved her friends and she looked forward to her weekly Thursday rendezvous with the girls.
Julia, age 90, of Newport passed away on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at the IHM Sisters Healthcare Center. Her husband Andrew preceded her in death in 1998.
To cherish her memory, Julia is survived by her children: Marianne Donnan of Newport, Victoria (Nik) Kalejs of Spring Lake, Andrew (Judi) Switanek of Prescott, Arizona, Monica Switanek-Morrow of Newport and Milton (Lillie) Switanek of Jacksonville, Florida; sister, Helen Attilio and family; grandchildren: Nick, Matt, Juliana, Kiley, Kaleb, Nick, Jenny, Eric and Emily; and great grandchildren: Isabelle, Henry, Andrew, Nathan, Leila and Micah.
Friends may gather on Monday, April 2, 2018 from 4:00pm-8:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. The Rosary will take place at 6:00pm. Julia will lie-in-state on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 from 10:00am until the Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00am at St. Charles Church, 8125 Swan Creek Road in Newport. Procession will follow to St. Charles Cemetery for burial.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the IHM Sisters Retirement Community of Monroe. Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com.