Elizabeth "Betty" Corolewski

Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Corolewski, age 92, passed away on November 28, 2020, at Portage County Health Care Center (PCHCC) in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. She was born June 30th, 1928 in Ironwood, Michigan, the eldest child of Rudolph and Annabelle (Banovetz) Mukavitz. She graduated from Luther L. Wright High School with the class of 1946. She met the love of her life, Eugene “Curly” Robert Corolewski and married on June 30th, 1951 at Holy Trinity Church in Ironwood. Betty moved with her husband Curly from Wakefield to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, finally settling in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Betty was a devoted and selfless wife and mother. She was a steadfast partner to Curly, her soul mate, and never left his side. She loved being a meticulous home maker and enjoyed baking and cooking many Central and Eastern European dishes. Her most popular recipes included pasties, cinnamon nut rolls (povitica or potica), perogies and saffron buns. She appreciated sewing and created special occasion dresses for the girls. She was always elegantly dressed and well spoken. Curly developed Parkinson’s disease in the late 1990s and required nursing home care for almost ten years. Betty rarely missed a day visiting and assisted with his care. She was a great support to other residents and families during that time span. Her devotion to Curly was humbling and showed her great inner strength and deep compassion.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brother Rudolph “Rudy” Mukavitz, brother and sister-in-law David and Connie (Colosimo) Mukavitz, sister-in-law Barbara (Kleimola) Mukavitz, brother-in-law Jack White, husband Curly and son Robert. She is survived by her brother William “Bobo” Mukavitz, sister Mary Ann White, sister-in-law Margie (Witala) Mukavitz, daughter Roberta and husband Tom Regner, daughter Lisbeth and husband Milton “Butch” Gabrielski, son Richard and wife Cheryl (Tranetzke) Corolewski. Betty was the grandmother of ten grandchildren: Kevin, Katherine, Daniel, Jason, Bradley, Annie, Caleb, Hannah, Cameron, Cascia and two great-grandchildren; Bennett and Elizabeth. Betty is also survived by her “adopted” family in Wisconsin, the Fairchild’s who purchased her home and became dear friends and allies; Todd and Amy, their children Luke and wife Amanda, Will and Charlie.

The family wishes to recognize and thank all the supportive friends and caregivers throughout Betty’s years at Primrose Assisted Living Center in Wausau and PCHCC. The staff providing palliative and then hospice care, were instrumental in making Betty’s last two years and final days as comfortable as possible.  A private family committal has taken place at Restlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, Wausau, under the direction of the Helke Funeral Home and presided by Father Robert Thorn. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church, Wausau on Thursday, August 26th at 11:00 with visitation at church beginning at 10:00 AM until the time of service at church. If you are unable to join us to celebrate Betty’s life, take a moment, wherever you are, to do a kind deed for someone in her honor.