Margaret Michalski

Margaret Eleanor Michalski, 76, of Lakeland, passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021. Margaret was born on July 18, 1944 in Chicago, Ill. to George Slemmer and Olga Kuczerepa. One of three children, she pursued a career in elementary education. She married the love of her life, Dennis Michalski, on August 18, 1973. They had over 40 happy years together until his passing. Margaret was dedicated to the education of children, serving as a teacher in Chicago and then in Polk County at Medulla and Kingsford Elementary. She touched the lives of many and her commitment to her profession was recognized by her students, peers, and also by the board of education when she was honored with Teacher of the Year. After retirement, her most prized moments were those she spent with her granddaughters, Madison, Peyton and Evelyn. She is survived by her sister Marilyn Wengel, her brother Robert Slemmer, her daughters Susan LeFrancois and Julie Michalski-Kovacs, her sons-in-law Benjamin LaFrancois and Stephen Kovacs, and her granddaughters Madison LeFrancois, Peyton LeFrancois and Evelyn Kovacs. In lieu of funeral services, the family asks those that wish to honor Margaret consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation.