Carolyn W. Purgraski

Purgraski, Carolyn W. Bay City, Michigan Our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away in the early afternoon on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at The Carriage House of Bay City. Carolyn was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 9, 1922 to Fred and Mabel (Hallifax) Boucek. Later Mrs. Purgraski went on to earn her teaching degree from Kent State University. On December 14, 1946 she married the love of her life, Paul Purgraski. Carolyn loved teaching and interacting with many students at Bay City Central High School, and she always talked about the many fine educators that she was privileged to work with. As part of her career she became an author and published a series of books, along with two of her colleagues. These publications were in many ways a testament to the way she taught. She wanted to inform others of the teaching methods that she performed throughout her many great years as a teacher. After 33 years of teaching she retired from the Bay City School District and continued her passion tutoring both young and old students in her spare time. She was a member of the Michigan Education Association and Bay Area Retired School Personnel. Carolyn continued to be curious about everything and read voraciously. She is survived by two children, Paula (James) Zoller of Auburn and Michael (Anna) Purigraski of Bay City. In addition she is survived by four grandchildren, Steven Purigraski, Dan Zoller, Rebecca (Brian) MacFalda, and Tim (Kari) Zoller; ten great grandchildren, Nicholas, Zachary, Kaelee, Keira, Brooklyn, Colton, Brianna, Noah, Benjamin, and Elizabeth; one sister, Arline Wallington. Carolyn was predeceased by her husband Paul; three sisters, Winifred Boucek, Chrystal Reichle, and Marilyn Johnson; as well as one grandson, Benjamin; and one great grandchild, Jacob. At the request of Mrs. Purgraski cremation will take place and the family will have a public visitation period at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. At a later date, Carolyn and Paul will be buried at the Northfield Cemetery in Northfield, Ohio. Those planning an expression on sympathy are asked to make a memorial contribution to the Bay County Council on Aging: Meals on Wheels Program. www.GephartFuneralHome.com