Jennie Ann Kalakay

Jennie Ann Kalakay, age 88, of Flushing, died Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Flagstone Adult Foster Care in Flushing. Left to cherish her memory are her two children: Judy (Mike) Walling, and Fred (Stephanie) Kalakay, Jr.; her seven grandchildren: Amy (Brendin) Jacobs, Katie (Jason) Knieper, Keri Walling, Michael Kalakay, Blake Kalakay, Stacie Kalakay, and Sophie Kalakay; her three great-grandchildren: Hadley and Harper Jacobs, and Kylee Knieper; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends.

Jennie was born November 5, 1932, in Flint, the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Michael and Anna (Drndash) Vukovich. She grew up in Flint Michigan, graduating from Flint Northern High School. It was at Flint Northern that Jennie met Fred Kalakay, and the two started dating, fell in love, and were eventually married on May 2, 1953. Jennie and Fred shared sixty-five wonderful years together until Fred’s death on July 20, 2017. Jennie was an active parishioner at St. Robert Catholic Church since 1968 and was very strong in her catholic faith. She also worked closely with the Genesee Public Library’s Story Hour Friends program for many years. In her free time, Jennie loved being a part of her monthly card club, baking, and working in her flower garden. Jennie was also a Dance Grandma to many, and she loved cheering on the Detroit Pistons. Jennie held fond memories of her vacations to Florida, and her family trips to Oscoda every summer. She was a wonderful woman who will be missed by many.

Jennie was preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Anna; her loving husband, Fred Kalakay, Sr., her daughter, Sue Kalakay; her brother, Jim Vukovich; and her two sisters: Ann Bond and Louise Straley.

Jennie’s family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Reigle Funeral Home Sunset Chapel, 5501 W. Pierson Rd., Flushing, Michigan 48433. On Thursday, Jennie will be taken to St. Robert Catholic Church, 310 N. Cherry St., Flushing, Michigan 48433 to lie in state from 10:00 am until the time of her funeral mass at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. Those desiring may consider memorial contributions in Jennie’s name to St. Robert Catholic Church, or the Genesee District Library. Envelopes are available at the funeral home.