Wini's Obituary as published in The Pensacola News Journal and The Detroit News of Lillian, Alabama, former resident of Detroit and Redford Township, Michigan. Loving mother and grandmother, dear friend, compassionate and patient caregiver, great listener. Born October 11, 1922 to Myrtle Deans and Lawrence Lucas, step daughter of Joseph Deans. Widow of Warren Jirik after 51 golden years of marriage (Dec. 1999). Survived by sons David (wife Jean-Louise, Santa Ana, CA), Allan (wife Karen, West Bloomfield, MI), and Andrew (El Segundo, CA) and grandsons Jonathan, Benjamin, and Zachary of West Bloomfield, MI. Lifelong surviving friends Marion Benton, Fern Garner, Margorie Gregg, Peg Moreland, Florence Murray and Elizabeth White. Longtime member of North Woodward Congregational Church, Detroit. Graduated from Detroit's Central High School in 1939 and Michigan State University in 1943. Social Worker for American Red Cross, including World War II service 1943-1950. Volunteer for American Red Cross, library, scout, and parent-teacher groups. Moved to Alabama in 1986. Loved family, friends, books, travel, crosswords, bridge and humor. Went to eternal rest March 29, 2008. A memorial gathering will be held at the Spanish Cove Club House, Lillian, Saturday, April 5th at noon. Family requests in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross or the Perdido Bay Library. Remembrances and photos at www.winijirik.com |
Wini wanted to make sure her family got her obituary right and left us many copies which she updated as family changes ocurred. Here are some of her thoughts that did not make it into print: "When Warren died, I, as most survivors are, was emotionally paralyzed, unable to make snap decisions. His obituary for the papers omitted important life facts which would have defined his personality and accomplishments in print. You, his sons, did that when you spoke at his funeral and I hope you will do the same for me. Feel free to find some humor we shared" "1943 grad Michigan State University where member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, majoring in sociology. Employed as social worker for Detroit Chapter, American Red Cross 1943-1950. Married Warren T. Jirik 1948. Wini & Warren met while members of Detroit News Hiking Club. Warren employed by Burroughs Corporation (now Unisys) Honeymoon trip by car to California. Lived in Redford Township, moved to Spanish Cove Lillian, Alabama in 1986. Warren & Wini visited Mich. in 1998 to celebrate 50th Anniversary with Detroit lifelong friends...loved to travel - driving trip to Alaska, Panama Canal cruise, Mississippi River cruises St. Paul to St. Louis, St. Louis to New Orleans, numerous trips to California, Canadian provinces. Travels to Wales (home of Grandfather's family) Scotland & London." "Dear Family, Love to all, Mom, Grandma, Wini" |
