Phyllis Miknavich

Phyllis Theresa Derezinski Miknavich, was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on April 9, 1947. Parents were Chester and Lillian (Kloska) Derezinski. Attended Sacred Heart Catholic School and graduated from West Catholic High School in 1965 and from Chic School of Cosmetology. She died on April 15, 2023. She married her high school sweetheart Thomas Miknavich in 1981. Phyllis is survived by her husband of forty two years, Thomas Miknavich; sisters, Dr. Joan Webster, Sarasota, FL and Alice Donahue, Spring Lake, MI; Sister-in-law, Marcia Derezinski, Lowell, MI; several nieces and nephews; and Tom’s daughter, Leslie. Phyllis was an active member of the Michigan Beauty Schools Association, and the American Hairdressers Association. Phyllis was Pep Club President of her high school senior class. She was voted “the best worker and did the most for her class” in l965. A faculty mentor said of Phyllis that she was a walking, talking “pep rally” on two feet. Phyllis organized class reunions for her high school classmates over the years. During her employment at Jo Ann Fabrics she was awarded recognition on many occasions for her enthusiastic and creative service with and for the customers Over the years Phyllis had been a volunteer worker for the March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Senior Meals on Wheels, City Wide Food Drive, Indian Trails Camp, Haircuts for the Handicapped. She served as West Catholic Alumni Secretary for four years. Per her request, a rosary will be said on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at 1 PM at Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm at Holy Cross Cemetery, 2000 Walker Avenue NW. Memorial contributions in her memory can be made to Sacred Heart Academy. Memorial condolences can be sent to the family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. May she rest in peace. Niech Odpoczywa w spokoje wiecznym.