Ann Helen Scizak
RAPID RIVER — Ann Helen Scizak passed away peacefully in her home on July 1, 2024 following a brief battle with cancer.
Ann was born on October 22, 1947 to Leslie and Eudene MacDonald and grew up in St. Ignace, Michigan. Ann graduated from LaSelle High School in St. Ignace in 1965 where she was a cheerleader and the homecoming queen. Her classmates described her as the sweetest and sharpest girl in the class.
After high school, Ann enrolled into St. Luke’s Hospital School of Nursing in Marquette, Mich. where she began her 44 year long career in nursing. She spent the majority of her nursing career at OSF St. Francis Hospital, primarily in the OB/Nursery department.
She had a passion for helping babies and new mothers. She taught childbirth and breastfeeding classes and shared her expertise on newborns with her coworkers and nursing students. She retired from nursing in 2012 after 33 years at OSF.
Ann married her beloved husband Dan Scizak in 1978 and started their life together in Rapid River.
Ann enjoyed spending time with her family, planning many vacations and camping trips. She always made the birthday boy or girl feel special by making their favorite meal and dessert.
Ann was an avid crafter, sewer, and crocheter. In high school she sewed many of her own prom and homecoming dresses.
She even started a small business with her granddaughter Sidonie called 2 Generation Creations, where they sold their creations at craft shows and festivals around the U.P.
Ann is survived by her husband Daniel Scizak, her daughters Lesley Scizak and Mandi (Tim) Berg, grandchildren Sidonie (Kyle) Fraley, Brendon (Ally) Dubord, Gavin (Katrina Augustyn) Scizak, Austin and Katelyn Dubord, one great-grandson Asher Dubord, and her dog Sunny.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers-in-law Bernie Scizak and Gerry Scizak, and her beloved dog Aura.
The family would like to thank her caregivers, Amanda and Rebecca, and the nurses and aides of UPHS Hospice, especially Charlotte and Brittany.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to start a scholarship for future nurses.
A Celebration of Life is planned for Ann on July 9, 2024 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Rapid River Lions Club.
The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the Scizak family.
To offer online condolences or for more information, please visit www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.