Katheline Helen Smiecinski

Katheline Helen Smiecinski (nee Barnowsky), age 92, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2026, in Roseville, Michigan. Born on August 20, 1933, in Oxford, Michigan, Katheline lived a full and vibrant life marked by dedication to her family, faith, and community. Katheline graduated with honors and a scholarship offering from St. Charles High School in Detroit Michigan, an achievement that reflected her determination and intellect. She went on to build a long and fulfilling career in the medical field as a Medical Assistant, Office Manager, and Biller. Early in her career, she experienced one of her most cherished moments, assisting in the delivery of a baby, a memory she held dear throughout her life. Katheline was married to the love of her life, Stanley Smiecinski, with whom she shared 60 joyful years until his passing. Together they raised five children: Tina Zavislak (Gary), Gary Smiecinski (Lisa), Thomas Smiecinski (Donna), Joseph Smiecinski (Debra), and Glenn Smiecinski. She was a devoted grandmother to 12 grandchildren and great-grandmother to 14. Her family was the center of her world, and she cherished moments spent with them. A woman of deep faith, Katheline was raised in the Catholic tradition and a born again believer. Her spirituality guided her actions and provided her comfort throughout her journey. Katheline had a zest for life that shone through in her hobbies and interests. She loved books and was an avid reader her whole life. She loved dancing with Stanley and was a passionate fan of Lions and Michigan college football and Tigers baseball. She found joy in vacationing across northern Michigan, Florida and Missouri, as well as traveling for family celebrations such as her granddaughters' weddings. A lover of nature, she took pride in planting flowers and caring for her yard year-round, even into her 90s when she continued mowing her lawn and shoveling snow. Her creative spirit was evident in flower gardening, sewing, ceramics, decorating for the holidays, and playing board and card games with loved ones. She also enjoyed trips to the casino with nieces and nephews and treasured time spent with extended family members. Katheline is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Darline Calcaterra; brother Raymond Barnowsky (Jess); nieces; nephews; and friends who will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her parents Matthias and Dorothy Barnowsky (Bessy); sister Margaret Jean Golze; brothers Ralph Barnowsky, Edward Barnowsky, and Charles Barnowsky. Katheline’s legacy is one of love, resilience, faith, and joy, a life well-lived that touched all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who mourn her passing while celebrating the remarkable woman she was. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday April 24, 2026 at 3pm until the 6pm Memorial Service at Wujek Calcaterra & Sons Funeral Home 36900 Schoenherr @ Metro Parkway (16 Mile Rd) Sterling Heights, Michigan 48312. In Lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Kathline's honor would be appreciated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital @ www.stjude.org. Share memories with the family at their "On-Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com.

Katheline Helen Smiecinski

August 20, 1933 - April 1, 2026