Phyllis M. Jacka, 85, of Negaunee Township, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Thursday afternoon, September 7, 2017 at the Eastwood Nursing Center.
Phyllis was born December 21, 1931 in Detroit to John and Clara (Pope) Uren. Her mother passed away when she was five years old, so Phyllis moved to Negaunee to live with her foster parents, Bill and Pearl Brailey. She returned to Highland Park at age 11 and graduated from Highland Park High School, Class of 1950. Following graduation, she moved back to Negaunee to live with Bill and Pearl. Phyllis met Robert Jacka and they were united in marriage on June 26, 1954.
Mrs. Jacka was a devout and active member of Mitchell United Methodist Church, Negaunee where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and belonged to the United Methodist Women and Epworth Fellowship. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, but most of all, cherished time spent with her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.
Surviving are her loving husband of 63 years, Robert J. Jacka; four daughters: Debbie (Stephen) Cavalieri of Iron Mountain, Sue (Bill) Roberts of Negaunee, Virginia ‘Gini’ (Ron) Trask of Centennial, CO and Judy (John) Kennedy of Negaunee; two foster-brothers: Byron Williams and Jack (Cookie) Brailey; her foster-sister, Donna Mullins; 10 grandchildren: Vincent (Nikki) and Christopher Cavalieri, Aimee (Tony) Tatangelo, Anthony (Elise), Cole and Lucas Cavalieri, Andrew (Maricris) and Ella Trask, Bob and Ashley Burns; two great-grandchildren: Dominic and Sierra Tatangelo; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her foster parents.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Eastwood Nursing Center for their wonderful care provided for the past several years.
Funeral services will be held at 4:00 pm on Thursday, September 14th at Mitchell United Methodist Church with Rev. Albert Barchue officiating. Interment will be in Northland Chapel Gardens. The family will greet relatives and friends for one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday, and also at a dinner reception in the church hall. Phyllis’ grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in her memory to the Mitchell United Methodist Church Memorial Fund or the Eastwood Nursing Center Activity Fund.