Obituary of Susan Mihalik

On Jan 29, 2013, at 10:06 AM, Kevin Abel <[email protected]> wrote: Susan Mihalik December 27, 1937-January 24 2013 Susan Mihalik passed away the afternoon of Jan. 24. She was born in Lubbock Tx, trained as a pediatric psychiatric occupational therapist, and directed that inpatient department at University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. She was granddaughter of John Lomax, and passed the songs of her childhood to her own children, singing while driving Highway 9 in the days when radio reception was spotty on that road, and tape players were not standard equipment. She has been part of the valley community since she arrived as a newlywed in 1973, acting as teacher's aide, 3rd grade boys' cooking teacher, or "the lady with the biggest van" transportation volunteer. She maintained her devotion to children and instilled the tradition of community service in her family, participating in 4H leadership in dog training classes, encouraging the family in the raising of a litter of Canine Companions and training four Guide Dogs for the Blind . She also raised litters of show quality puppies and was proud that her pet dachshund was Best of Breed at the Westminster dog show in 1992. More recently she was involved with the San Lorenzo Valley Senior Center and was director of the Carol Anicka Mihalik fund, concentrating on support for the children of the San Lorenzo Valley at the YMCA camp, the Ben Lomond art center, and the schools of the Valley. She has been on the boards of the Valley Resource Center and the Senior Center. She was at the Senior Center for weekly bridge and exercise, as well as being a reliable baker for the monthly breakfast/ bake sale held there. Her lifelong affection for animals was reflected in her support of animal welfare groups, which combined with her commitment to the youth of the San Lorenzo Valley, led to an interest in training a Reading Education Assistance Dog. Through all of those years, her overwhelming love was for her family. She is survived by her husband, Andrew, her children Krishna and Michael, and her grandchildren Morgan and Brenna. She shared her love for cooking, quilting, gardening, and music with them. She is also survived by her sister Pat, in Shallowater Tx. A Celebration of Life memorial service will be held at the Boulder Creek Golf and Country Club, 16901 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek on Satruday, February 2, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. (Contact Sherry for info: 427-1098) In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Susan's name to the San Lorenzo Valley Senior Center.