Ann Michalenko, 73
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Ann Michalenko, 73, of Mohawk Forest Boulevard died Monday, March 7, 2011, at home surrounded by her loving family.
Born in North Adams on June 28, 1937, a daughter of Raymond F. and Ruth Margaret Whipple Bass, she attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School in 1955.
Mrs. Michalenko was employed at the former New England Telephone and Sprague Electric companies, the former Highcroft School in Williamstown, and as a van supervisor for Berkshire Community Action Council. She was also employed at Vet's Taxi as a dispatcher for many years.
A devoted mother and homemaker, she was very active in the community and served as president and in all offices of the Eagle Ladies' Auxiliary and the Democratic City Committee. She was a communicant of the former St. Francis' Church and a longtime member of MA TOPS 187
Her husband, John Victor Michalenko Sr., whom she married on July 28, 1962, in Adams, died on Dec. 12, 2004.
She leaves three daughters, Lisa Vanderburgh and her husband, Lyman III, Amy Ritcher and her husband, John, and Mary Scanlon, all of North Adams; two sons, Stephen Michalenko, who was her caregiver, and John Michalenko Jr. and his wife, Tina, all of North Adams; her brother, Raymond Bass and his wife, Barbara, of North Adams; five grandchildren, Joshua Ritcher, Sarah Ritcher, Lyman Vanderburgh IV, Robert Scanlon and Matthew Scanlon, and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Her grandson David John Ritcher predeceased her.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Funeral services for Mrs. Michalenko will take place Friday, March 11, at 10 a.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Mary's Church in Cheshire. Burial will follow in Southview Cemetery.
Calling hours will be Thursday, March 10, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home. Mrs. Michalenko's family would like to thank the staff at the VNA & Hospice of Northern Berkshire for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for Adult Day Health of North Adams through the funeral home.