Rosie Mead

MEAD, Rosie (Sujak) -- was born on July 8, 1923 and died on Feb 8, 2007 at Avalon Hospice.  She was the cherished wife of James A. and the beloved mother of Victor and Susan.  Rosie was born and raised in Flint and graduated from Northern High School in 1941.  She and James (Jim) were married on July 29, 1944.  Rosie took great pride in her Slovak heritage and excelled in its language, dance, song & its foods.  Her participation and membership ranged from The SOKOLs as a child, to the ZCBJ and Friendship Club of Swartz Creek all which were ethnic (Slovak) based.  She served in numerous community posts including the Genesee District Library Board (17 years), precinct chairperson of elections in Flint Township (50 years).  Rosie was a charter member of the South East Michigan branch of MENSA and served as its first chairwoman.  She was an active member of the Juvenile Diabetes Association since 1963 in an effort to help her daughter Susan.  Her community service accompanied her to the Florida Keys where she and Jim wintered in Long Key from 1981 until her recent illness, pulmonary fibrosis, of which she succumbed.  She served for 3 years on the Board of Directors of the Condo Association, as well as a member of the Long Key Ladies Klub.  Her many accomplishments did not define or limit her.  She was a lifelong believer in liberal, progressive Democratic ideals and was never afraid to voice her opinion. She loved to fish in the ocean, dance, sew, oil paint, garden, bake Slovak pastries, laugh and most of all, chitchat.  Rosie loved her home and family; she has left behind many friends of all ages and backgrounds who will miss her wit, intelligence and great zest for life.   Rosie leaves behind her husband Jim, son Victor, daughter Susan, son in-law Jerry Myers of Flint, daughter in-law Shirley of Orlando, 2 grandchildren Sheree Sellers and Brittany Mead of Orlando and great granddaughter Macy Sellers.  Her brother Stanley Sujak and sister Stella Hipkins preceded her in death. In lieu of flowers, Rosie had requested that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in the hope of finding a cure. (donations may be sent c/o Sharp Funeral Homes, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek, MI 48473)  Thank You to all of her friends who shared laughs and stories with her, and to those of you who have assisted medically and most importantly, emotionally. She was truly one of a kind and we who knew and loved her were all enriched by her presence. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Tributes and condolences may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.