Janet E. Nowicki

Janet Estelle Nowicki, 93, of Gaylord, peacefully entered the loving arms of Jesus on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, surrounded by family in the warmth and comfort of her home.

She was a woman of extraordinary faith, boundless love, and unwavering devotion to her family. To know Janet was to know kindness, generosity, and a truly selfless heart. She lived her life in service to others, always putting the needs of those around her before her own. She was, in every sense of the word, a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born and raised in the Detroit area, Janet spent her early years in Detroit and Warren, Michigan, alongside her brother, Edward, who preceded her in death. In her younger years, she worked at the University of Detroit and for the United States Army.

In 1951, Janet married her first husband, Robert "Bob" Budde, and together they welcomed five children. Sadly, two of their children passed away at birth, during a time when medical advancements and resources were far more limited than they are today. Janet would face unimaginable heartbreak once again when Bob and their oldest daughter, Kathy, tragically lost their lives in an automobile accident on Christmas Eve in 1965. Despite the tremendous loss she endured, Janet carried on with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and a heart that never lost its capacity to love.

On March 11, 1967, Janet married Matthew Nowicki, beginning a beautiful marriage that would span 59 years. Together, they welcomed three children, one of whom sadly passed away at birth, and built a life centered on family, faith, and hard work. Eventually their family would grow by spouses, 12 grandchildren, their spouses, and 25 great-grandchildren.

While living in Warren, Janet and Matt traveled north to Gaylord, Michigan, to explore an opportunity shared by a family friend. They quickly fell in love with the land and the community, purchasing property on which to build their family home as well as a general store. In 1972, Janet and Matt made Gaylord their home, moving north with their children, Jimmy, Jill, Matt, and Ken.

Janet played an important role in the family's businesses, running the general store while her husband and his brother built up M&M Excavating. As the company grew and demanded more of their time, they sold the general store. In 1980, she began working for Beckman's Oil Field Services in Kalkaska, Michigan, where her dedication and strong work ethic soon led to her transfer to Gaylord as office manager. She continued in that role until her retirement in 1997.

Throughout her life, Janet's Catholic faith was at the very center of who she was. She was a devoted member of the Church and found great joy in sharing her love of God with others. During her years in Gaylord, she served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary Cathedral and as president of the St. Mary Cathedral School Board. Her faith was not simply something she practiced on Sundays, but something she lived each and every day through her kindness, compassion, and willingness to serve.

Following Matt's retirement in 2003, the couple relocated to their Florida residence, where they spent the next 22 years enjoying life together. Janet continued her lifelong commitment to her faith and community at St. Bernard Catholic Church in Holmes Beach, Florida. For 16 years, she served as a sacramental catechist, sharing her faith and wisdom with countless students who came to know and love her. Her dedication to religious education was recognized when she received the highest certificate of advanced catechesis issued by the Bishop of the Diocese of Venice. She also served for 20 years as a member of the St. Bernard Council of Catholic Women.

Although Janet gave so much of herself to her work, church, and community, her greatest joy was always her family. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and a cherished friend. She had a remarkable way of making everyone feel welcome, seen, heard, loved, and cared for. Her home was a place of warmth and hospitality, often filled with family, friends, good food, laughter, and the occasional glass of wine.

Janet found joy in life's simple pleasures. She loved spending time on the family boat, fishing in the Gulf of Mexico alongside her husband, children, and grandchildren. An avid reader, she was rarely without a book in her hand. She loved cooking, entertaining, and bringing people together. She also had a special appreciation for animals, birdwatching, nature, and the beauty of God's creation. And, of course, she always had room for something sweet.

Above all, Janet will be remembered for the love she gave so freely and the countless lives she touched along the way. She was a woman whose faith guided her, whose family was her greatest treasure, and whose generosity knew no bounds. She never sought recognition for the good she did, loving and caring for others was simply who she was.

Her life was a beautiful example of what it means to love unconditionally, serve faithfully, and find joy in the blessings of each day. While her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, the legacy she leaves behind will live on through the generations of family she cherished and the many people whose lives were made better simply by knowing her.

A life so beautifully lived, a love so freely given, and a faith so deeply rooted will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her loving husband, Matthew of 59 years; children, Jim (Dawn) Budde of Oscoda, Jill (David) Stutesman of Gaylord, Matthew (Melissa) Nowicki of Gaylord, Ken (Janet) Nowicki of Gaylord; grandchildren, Robbie Budde of Mancelona, Greta (Kenny) Wrobbel of Hillsdale, Christopher (Kendra) Churches of Gaylord, Matthew (Sarah) Churches of Gaylord, Jason (Jenn) Budde of Interlochen, Michael (Ginny) Stutesman of Gaylord, Gabe (Chrissy) Nowicki of Gaylord, Brendon (Cory) Nowicki of Gaylord, Giorgi Nowicki of Gaylord, Adam (Lexi) Nowicki of Gaylord, Megan (Austin) Edmonds of Gaylord, and Joshua (Averi) Nowicki of Gaylord; 25 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Mark (Jen) Nowicki, Henry (Renee) Nowicki, and Walter Nowicki all of Gaylord.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Opal (Warner) Shumaker; her first husband, James Robert Budde; children, Kathy Budde, Diane Budde, Jack Budde and Michael Nowicki; brother, Edward Shumaker; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Nowicki.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 10:30 AM Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Mary Cathedral. The family will visit with friends beginning at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gaylord St. Mary Cathedral School, 321 N Otsego Ave, Gaylord, MI 49735, memo line: Janet E. Nowicki.

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