Shelby Jean Walkowiak

Beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at Covenant HealthCare – Cooper. She was 86 years old. Shelby J. Berry was born on June 19, 1937, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to the late Agnes Glaza. She attended both Holy Trinity School and T. L. Handy High School in Bay City. Through mutual friends, Jean met the love of her life, Thomas Roy Walkowiak, while at the corner of Center and Washington. It was love at first sight. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 29, 1956, at Holy Trinity Church in Bay City; he survives her. The role of her lifetime, and one she treasured and cherished above all others, was to be a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Jean was a longtime and faithful member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and donated her time to prepare food for funeral luncheons. Her little piece of heaven was spending time with her family, especially gathering around the campfires in both Freeland and on Hewitt Lake. Jean was instrumental in helping raise and take care of her grandchildren. She loved holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. She held a special place in her heart for her beloved pets. Though she could be stubborn, she will forever be remembered for her wonderful sense of humor and beautiful smile, for her devotion to her faith by praying the rosary three times a day, for her loving, kind, and intuitive spirit, her ability to connect with all people, and for truly living an amazing life filled with many beautiful memories and stories.

Surviving are her husband of 67 years, Thomas R. Walkowiak of Freeland; three daughters: Keri (Randy) Kippe of Otisville; Amy (Clyde) Pratt of St. Charles; Kristi (Frank) Frost of Hemlock; five grandchildren: Jacob (Lauren) Kippe, Jordyn (Shawn) Schutt, Meagyn Pratt, Morgan Pratt, and Lila Frost. Also surviving are many extended family members and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Agnes Glaza.  

A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Road. Rev. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny will officiate. Rite of Committal and entombment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery. Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Arrangements have been entrusted to the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, Michigan, 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.casefuneralhome.com.