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Clarice Gregorich

CALUMET — Clarice Gregorich was born January 14, 1933, at her home in Calumet. She passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 15, 2019.

Clarice graduated in 1950 from Calumet High and began working at the A&P as a cashier before receiving a scholarship to Central Michigan University. She graduated from CMU with a teaching degree in 1956 and taught at Wiley Elementary in Utica.

In 1958, she returned to the Upper Peninsula to marry Bob Pawlicki on August 2, 1958, at St. Joseph Church in Calumet. She continued her teaching degree at Marquette Schools prior to the birth of their child (Frank) on May 19, 1959. Upon Bobás graduation from Northern Michigan University in 1959, they moved to Utica, and both took positions with Utica Community Schools. While at Utica Community Schools, Clarice taught at Dresden Elementary (5th grade), Flickenger Elementary, Ewell Elementary, and Momfort Elementary (4th grade). During her teaching career she continued her own education receiving a masterás degree from Wayne State University in 1963. She also attended Michigan State for a special program designed for research center teachers. Using her research center education, she served as a research center teacher at both Flickenger and Ewell Elementary Schools. Clarice retired from teaching in 1996. Immediately after retirement she was asked to return to the Utica School system to mentor new teachers. Clariceás love for teaching extended beyond the elementary class room, she also taught catechism for a junior high group at St. Kieran’s Church and was den mother for Pack 79 boy scouts. Others recognized her gift for teaching and in 1978, she received the Newsweek Teacher of the Year Award.

After retirement she volunteered to help organize the church library until her health failed.

Clarice is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Mary; and her siblings, Frank, Norbert, Florence & Christine.

She is survived by her husband, Bob; son, Frank (Kathy) Pawlicki; and daughter, Patricia (Jeff) Tibbenham. Five grandchildren will lovingly remember their grandmother’s love, smile and good cooking. Kate (Brad) Jackson, Tom (Hannah) Pawlicki, Sydnee Pawlicki, Hayley Tibbenham and Gabi Tibbenham. She is also survived by her first great-grandchild, Ford Jackson.

Visitation Sunday 3-9 p.m. at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc. (Shelby Township) 54880 Van Dyke at 25 Mile Rd. Prayers at 7 p.m.

Instate Monday 10:30 a.m. at St. Kieran Catholic Church 53600 Mound Rd. (S. of 25 Mile) until Mass 11:00 a.m. Interment Lakeview Cemetery in Calumet.