Obituary

Angela passed away on Thursday, September 16, 2018. In lieu of a more traditional obituary, we decided to have those that knew her, share their feelings about her. Please feel free to include your thoughts.

"She was my mother, my best friend, my harshest critique, and my strongest supporter. She was tenacious in everything she did. Fierce with her lessons and generous with her love. You never questioned where you stood with her, that was clear. Yet you always found yourself searching for her advice. She loved, deeply and boldly. And she was loved equally as much. She will be missed, but she will never be forgotten."

Devin Stratton, son

"My sister was so proud of her family! Heritage and tradition were also very important. And she loved following in the footsteps of the strong women from our family, that went before her, as well as being an example for those that are coming after. Everything had a lesson, sometimes taught with grace, sometimes an iron fist, but always with love! Courageous and spirited, she had the heart of a lion. I'll miss our talks, the sparkle in her eyes, the smile she always gave me and the hugs that lasted forever! I love you, Ang....."

Rick McKay, Angie's oldest brother

"Devoted mother, loyal friend, consummate sibling. These were Angela's core values. She was proud; proud of her strong work ethic, unfailing commitment to her family's heritage, and faith in the Lord. She was passionate about her ideals. She did not let fear derail her resolve, she loved with her whole heart. Honor her by adopting the qualities she exhibited in life."

Leslie, her sister

"My dearest sweet Angela,

you were named after Nana Angelina, what a beautiful name, which I know you carried in honor your entire life. And while you both may be gone from this earth you are both Angels to us now!

You will be dearly missed my sweet sister. And as you and so many others believe, we'll be together forever in the afterlife in heaven above. I hope that consoles your heart and spirit. For now I'll carry our memories together along with me on my journey.

I've felt you, my fiery younger sister, as someone who lived most of your adult life like a stereotypical hot headed Italian with a heart that showed no bounds to your two children and to everyone you loved.

And then you had several eye opening epiphanies. They transformed you into a much sweeter wine which seemed to bring out the full bouquet of your love. This was very similar to the way our mother lived her life.

You were tirelessly nurturing and a matriarchal guide to both Katlyn and Devin far beyond them both becoming adults. And as a strong single parent your guidance to them seemed like a stern teacher to me, one who wanted your children to be skilled enough to handle anything that life threw at them. I think you did a damn good job sis.

As I recall our childhood together you were much more of an observer than a leader due to the strong personalities of Ricky when he was around but myself in particular (nervous laugh). Yet like a stereotypical good little girl you took care of your business without much of a fuss which made life a bit easier for our parents, mostly mom, as they navigated the difficult task of raising five children.

The countless memories I have of you are like that of a history book to me starting with the beginning of time. Thank goodness Ricky, Leslie and Robert are still here, as are so many others, to remind me of what I've forgotten as well as the many nuances from the precious memories we all shared together. I love hearing their stories of you Ang.

Of course we created our own special bond together which tightened ever so deeply as we both matured and became older. And it's incredibly sad that I'll only be able to imagine how much closer we would have become had we entered our golden years together!

Tears stream down my cheeks as I think of how much you mean to me Angela. I'll miss you deeply in my heart and down into my bones and I'll continue to do so until my last breath on this earth. Yet I'm so grateful to have shared my life with you for the 56 years we had together.

The bond of the "Fabulous Five" didn't break it became stronger!" Lovingly yours,

Your humbly grateful and broken hearted brother David

"Of my siblings, Angela was closest to me in age. Consequently, she was my primary playmate until we were old enough to make our own friends. I pretend that she really wanted to play together though I suspect that oftentimes she was being gracious, fulfilling her role as my sister by keeping me happy and making me feel loved. She's never abandoned that role. Even while dating her future husband she made an effort to include me in her life. I know that it wasn't always easy. She was stable and I was wild. She was conservative and I was liberal. She had a clearly defined set of values from which she never wavered. I was a teenager, still finding myself, still making mistakes. Adulthood was no different. Angela always took the time to see if I was happy and to make me feel loved. That's who she was to me..."

Robert McKay, Angela's younger brother

"Tetsi (aunt) Angela exemplified passion constantly. Her spitfire enegy was infectious and made a powerful impact in everything she did. Those that knew her could not deny her strength. At just 5'2, her presence commanded any room. Most recently, she can be described best as brave. Her unfailing faith helped guide her out of the darkest of corners and witnessing her spirit conquer her odds again and again was an inspiration. It was her nature to teach those around her. I have countless lessons she bestowed upon me that will undoubtedly stay with me always. She wanted to prepare us for what lay ahead, whatever that may be. Her job was far from over, but her impact and love will cloak us until we meet again. I will truly love her always."

Her niece, Brandy

"Growing up with Angela and her family, I have been blessed with more wonderful memories than I can count. From the haunted houses in the basement, to the card games and board games, to playing pickle in the street and box hockey in the park, we were always having fun. As we grew older, and all went our separate ways, Angela and our Moms were the driving force that kept both our families together. Establishing the tradition for the Pawlak/McKay Saturday after Thanksgiving, and organizing/managing the annual Chiado/Tiano reunion with Aunt Carmen and cousin Carmen, Angela embodied the spirit of family, and she was determined to keep the family together. She approached her fight with cancer with this same level of determination, and she defied all the odds. She blessed all of us with more time. Time to enjoy her friendship and her love. Her strength and courage were inspirational, and the time with family and friends provided the fuel that kept her going. Her laughter and love will be sorely missed. With all my love, your cousin, your friend."

Michael Pawlak, first cousin

"Being so far from family and friends, Angela became both a sister and a friend to me. She was there for me after Al passed away and through my battle with breast cancer. And we had the best conversations on our long drives to NY. Everyone loved her there, she was a rock star to them."

Diane Pawlak, cousin

Visitation Monday 2-8pm and Tuesday 1-8pm with a 7pm Rosary Service Tuesday at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 Inkster Rd., Garden City (Between Ford Rd. and Cherry Hill). In state Wednesday 10am until the 10:30am Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Council Catholic Church, 47650 N. Territorial Rd., Plymouth (W. of Beck Rd.)

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