Sylvia M.
Machulak
Click here to view the service held for Sylvia M. Machulak on Saturday, January 23, 2021.
A Video of the services for Sylvia Machulak will be provided to watch after the services take place for further viewing.
(Nee Jablonski) passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on January 15, 2021 at her home in River Hills, Wisconsin. She was born in Milwaukee to Anthony and Jeanette Jablonski, as the youngest of two daughters (following her sister, the late Janet Banach).
Sylvia graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1950, as valedictorian of her class, after four years of perfect attendance. While in school, she participated in a national Latin examination hosted by the Association for Promotion of Study of Latin, had a perfect score, and bested the competition. Before she graduated and accepted a college scholarship, she met her future husband, the late Edward L. Machulak.
Sylvia changed her course when Edward spotted her and broke the rules to dance with her at a mixer at the Rendezvous Ballroom. They were married on September 2, 1950 at St. Anthony’s Church, settled in Milwaukee, and had five children, Edward (Carol), John (the late Susan), Lauren (Rob), Christine (Bob), and the late Paul.
After their marriage, Sylvia and Edward worked together at Speedway Construction Company and General Lumber & Supply Co., where Sylvia served as Chief Executive Officer for many years. Sylvia and Edward worked side by side until Edward passed away in 2007.
In addition to her contributions as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and CEO, Sylvia was active in her congregation and throughout her community of many friends. She loved the Blue Skirt Waltz (her and Edward’s song), polka music, sheepshead, dirty martinis, and cream puffs. Her spirit for celebration made her the center of family gatherings. She loved all animals; her favorites were her Shelties, Tammy and Shadow, and her many cats. She was the “Ms. Dolittle” of the forest of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and raccoons in her backyard. They knew when she was coming with her peanuts and seed, and the chippies ate right from her hand.
Sylvia leaves behind eleven grandchildren, Jeanine (Dennis), the late Michelle, Richard (Tracy), Kimberly (Aaron), James (Amanda), Erica (Omar), Goldie, Kelly (Mauricio), the late Anna, Sonia (Lucas), Emily (Blake), Benjamin, and John Ellis (Courtney), twelve great grandchildren, and multitudes of other family and friends who will miss “Grandma Shadow” (and to some, “Grandma Chippie”) dearly. May her memory be a blessing to every heart she touched.
A visitation for the family will be held at Holy Family Chapel of St. Adalbert’s Cemetery (3801 S 6th St, Milwaukee, WI 53221) at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 23rd with a service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Guests may participate by zoom at a link to be provided at the website of Heritage Funeral Home (heritagefuneral.com). In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial contributions to the charity of your choice, and would recommend the Wisconsin Humane Society.
Sylvia will be missed by many whom she touched in life. Always a smile.
Peace be with the Matchulak clan.
This was a lovely service.. My sincere condolences to all of you.
When I think of Gramma Sylvia, I picture an elegant, classy, Catholic lady who entertained us with delightful stories of how she met, was courted, and married the one and only love of her life, Edward Machulak. She cherished her five children, Edward, John, Laurie, Chris and Paul. They blessed her with precious grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gramma was a Cuddleduds’ fan, really appreciated Kohl’s cash, Tuesdays at Walgreens–senior day! Chris would chauffeur her and afterwards have coffee and a sausage biscuit at McDonalds. Thursday was her weekly trek to the beauty salon to maintain her classic coiffure hairstyle. Gramma had an affinity for God’s creatures, especially Shadow, her beloved Sheltie who ruled the roost. One year I baked her a rum cake and she promptly decided she was not going to share it! She was honest, spunky, moral, brilliant, generous and ready for adventures. She had a mischievous sense of humor, Mona Lisa smile and was a tad willful–one of her most endearing traits. Rest in peace. You will be forever missed. Love Barb.