It is with great sadness that the family of Imogene Mary Britanyak age 86 announces the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. After a courageous battle with end of life issues Imogene peacefully passed with her family close by at the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility in Emmett Township.
She was born November 6, 1925 in Vassar, MI the daughter of Benjamin Burrows and Mary (Laud) Burrows.
She came to Battle Creek from Jackson, MI 1946. Imogene graduated high school from Jackson High School in 1944. She married John Joseph Britanyak at St Philip Catholic Church in Battle Creek, MI on June 28, 1947; however he passed away on Oct. 10, 1994. Imogene was a mother and homemaker all of her life; however before she was married she worked at the Battle Creek Sanitarium, Leila Hospital and the Battle Creek Veteran’s Hospital as a nurse’s aide.
Imogene enjoyed reading, embroidery, traveling and simply going for car rides to see the sights. Most often Imogene would reply, “You know I never turn down a ride.” Her special joy was time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member at St. Philip Catholic Church, the American Legion Auxiliary Post #298, and a member on the PTA at the Urbandale School when her children were young.
Imogene is survived by her three sons: James & Terri Britanyak of Benton Harbor, MI; Joseph & Norma Britanyak of Chandler, AZ; Thomas & Nancy Britanyak of Farmington, New Mexico; five daughters: JoAnn Britanyak of Marshall, MI; Janice Britanyak of Battle Creek, MI; Jennifer & Bill Kruczek of Battle Creek, MI; Cynthia Madden of Nokomis, FL; Janet Marie Allen of Springfield, MI; ten grandchildren: Travis Britanyak; Nicole & Thomas Hardin; Jonathan Britanyak; Ryan Britanyak; Leslie Throckmorton; John Allen; Melissa Bradshaw; Kevin Bradshaw; Shauna Britanyak; David & Robin Madden; and nine great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband John Joseph Britanyak (Oct 10, 1994), two brothers: Tom and Jim Burrows, Rosetta Phillips and Irene Burrows.
Visitation will be held at the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, where the family will be present Sunday, June 10, 2012 from 1:00 – 3:00 PM and 6:00 until 7:30 PM and the Rosary will be prayed Sunday evening at 7:30 PM in the funeral home chapel with Deacon Albert Patrick officiating. Graveside services commemorating the life of Imogene M. Britanyak will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Monday, June 11, 2012 at 12 Noon with Rev. Father Harold Potter and Pastor Timothy P. Smothers officiating. Imogene will be laid to rest next to her husband at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Memorial tributes may be made to: Saint Philip Catholic Church, the American Heart Association, or the Calhoun County Medical Care Facility. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145. Please leave a message of condolence or remembrance on Imogene Britanyak’s web page www.bachmanhebble.com