Gwendolyne Jonik

Gwendolyne Jonik (née VanSimaeys), age 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025, in Livonia, Michigan. Born on October 5, 1930, in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, Gwendolyne was the beloved daughter of the late Walter and Yulah (née Davis) VanSimaeys. A lifelong resident of Michigan, she devoted 25 years of dedicated service as a member of the clerical staff at AT&T before her retirement. Gwendolyne found great joy in life's simple pleasures. She was a gifted hand crafter who loved needlepoint, knitting, and sewing. Her passion for family was especially evident during the holiday season, when she delighted in making Christmas cookies. She rarely missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune, and cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren above all else. On September 17, 1953, Gwendolyne married the love of her life, Henry S. Jonik, at St. Clement Catholic Church in Center Line, Michigan. Together, they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage until Henry's passing on November 21, 1995. Gwendolyne was the devoted wife of the late Henry S. Jonik, and the loving mother of Christine Jonik, Henry Stanley Jonik, Barbara (Dr. Robert) Whittington, Teresa Jonik,, Tom (Darcy) Jonik, and Matthew (Karen) Jonik. She was the proud grandmother of Alicia Jonik, Ryan (Sara) Jonik, Adam Jonik, Wesley (Sarah) Jonik, Jacob Jonik, and Alex Whittington, and the cherished great-grandmother of Charlotte and Henry. She is also survived by her dear siblings: Christine (the late Ronald) Bonkowski, Penny (Donald) Kindt, and Joseph (Ruth) VanSimaeys. She is preceded in death by her brother Frederick VanSimaeys. Gwendolyne will be remembered for her warmth, creativity, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy of kindness and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. Family and friends will gather to celebrate Gwendolyne's life with a visitation on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home 8459 Hall Road Utica (3 Blks E. of Van Dyke) from 2-8pm with a rosary at 6pm. A funeral mass will be celebrated on Monday, August 11, 2025 at St. Lawrence Catholic Church 44633 Utica Road (btwn Van Dyke & M-59) Utica at 10am with a visitation prior to mass from 9:30am until the time of mass. Gwendolyne will be buried at St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery, Utica, Michigan following her funeral mass.

Gwendolyne Jonik

October 5, 1930 - August 4, 2025