Gwendolyn Ann Bartczak Bayerl

Gwendolyn Ann Bayerl, age 68, a long-time resident of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died peacefully at home on November 12, 2010 after a brave battle with lung cancer. Refusing to let life after cancer define her, she chose to cope with her disease the way she lived her life: with undaunted strength, unshakable courage, limitless hope and her characteristic, unflappable good cheer. Gwen was born October 9, 1942, in Stambaugh, Michigan, to Casimir and Bertha Bartczak. She is survived by her older brother Theodore “Ted” Bartczak and Patricia “Patty” Presti, her younger sister. She spent her childhood in Gaastra, Michigan and attended Stambaugh High School, where she was captain of the cheer team and homecoming Queen. In 1960, she matriculated to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. During her sophomore year, she fell deeply in love with John A. Bayerl, of Menominee Michigan. They were married, June 8, 1963. Her marriage provided a lifetime of love and caring to the very end. Gwen graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a B.S. in Nursing in 1980. As a nurse, she provided compassionate and professional care for patients of the University of Michigan Medical Center and Kellogg Eye Center. Following her retirement in 1998, she and John moved back to Marquette to enjoy the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and be closer to her family. In 2004 Gwen and John moved back to Ann Arbor, and reconnected with many of their cherished friends. Throughout her life Gwen was active in her local catholic parishes. She was particularly appreciative of the support and help provided by the Wellness Community of Southeast Michigan, St. Joseph Mercy Hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center and The University of Michigan Lung Cancer Clinic. Gwendolyn is survived by her husband, John, four children: John Jr, Jeanne, Michael and Anne and three grandchildren Nicholas, Isabel and Brooke.