Juanita "Billie" June Szutkowski

Juanita (Billie) passed away Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at Bay Special Care at the age of 78 years. She was born on June 13, 1940 to the late William and Dorothy (Maynard) Simons. She graduated from Midland High School in 1958 and earned her RN degree at Saint Mary's in Saginaw.  She earned and maintained an assessor's license, and ran for Bangor Township Supervisor (unsuccessfully) twice in the 1990s.  She married David Szutkowski in 2006 at St. Gabriel Parish, where they were both members. Billie was a Registered Nurse at various doctors' offices in Bay City, including, Dr. Cook and Dr. Howland. She later worked for Frankenmuth Insurance Company. She was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed watching football and hockey.  She was an active member of John Glenn Booster Club, rarely missed a varsity game long after her daughters had graduated; on Friday nights she more often than not could be found up in the press box assisting with play calls. She also enjoyed gardening, walking and reading. She was family and friend-oriented to the core.  Affable and gregarious, she never encountered strangers, only friends whom she had yet to meet.  She was generous with her time & talents.  She was a loving and kind friend, always going out of her way to help others.

Billie is survived by her husband, David; daughters, Sister Maria Gemma Martek, OP and Jody (Chad) Montana; step daughter, Kelly Reynolds; grandchildren, Stephanie, Brandi, Austin, Alle, Camden and Morgan; brother, Ted Simons; sister, Ramona Simons; brother-in-law, Frank (Pat); sister-in-law, Mary Jo McCarty; niece, Debi Klimon and nephews, Kevin Simons and Eric Zielinski. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her sister, Judith Narlock, her first husband, Robert Martek and her niece, Kim Simons.

Funeral Liturgy will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019 at St. Gabriel Parish - St. Anthony's Church (West Campus - Midland and 11 Mile). The Celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Thomas E. Sutton with final prayers at the St Patrick's cemetery chapel and entombment to follow in St. Patrick's Mausoleum at 1:30 pm. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home on Sunday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Szutkowski will be taken to the church to lie in state on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to make a memorial contribution to St. Jude's Children's Hospital.