Barbara Frances Sermak, 93, of Mio, passed away Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at The Home at AuSable Valley Community in Fairview. 
Barbara was born on October 18, 1918 in Belding, Michigan, to Martin and Kristina (Herdlik) Brakora. She graduated from St. Lawrence School of Nursing in Lansing, Michigan in 1939 and married Stanley J. Sermak on June 14, 1941. She served her country in the US Army Nursing Corps during WWII as a 2nd Lieutenant.  She later worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Joseph Hospital in Flint, Michigan, retiring after 35 years of service.  The couple moved to Mio from Flint in 1974, after summering in the area since 1948.  Barbara continued working at Mio and Rose City nursing homes after her retirement and also helped with mobile blood drives in the area.  She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Mio; the Mio Knights of Columbus #7329 Ladies Auxiliary; and the Busy Bees Quilting Club.  She enjoyed walking, reading, and crafting.  She will be remembered as a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother.  
Barbara is survived by her children:  Linda Tate of Davison, MI; Thomas Sermak of Salem, OR; Beverly (Kevin) Dolan of Lansing, MI; Michael Sermak of Flint, MI; Kenneth Sermak of Flint, MI; Ann (Daniel) Blamer of Mio, MI; Robert Sermak of Oakwood, IL; and Mary Ellen (Richard) Nielsen of Jonesville, MI.  She is also survived by her sister Agnes Brochu of Grand Blanc, MI; 17 grandchildren; 4 great- grandchildren; her special niece Mary Christine Millbocker (Vaillancour) and many other nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Stanley; her brothers:  Rev. Anthony, Stanley, Charles, Joseph, Martin, Henry, and Fred Brakora; her sisters:  Ann Vaillancour and Mary Trecha; and her son-in-law Donald Tate.
Visitation Friday August 3, 2012 from1-4 and 6-9 PM at Lashley Funeral Home, Mio, MI with a Vigil Prayer Service at 7PM offered by St. Mary Parish, with a Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary Rosary Service to follow. She will lie in state from 9 AM until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, August 4, 2012 at 10 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church, Mio, MI, with Father Santiago Hoyumpa as Celebrant. Interment on Monday, August 6, 2012 at New Calvary Cemetery, in Flint, MI, with Military Honors.
Memorial Donations may be made to Heartland Hospice, PO Box 667, West Branch, MI 48661 or to The Home at AuSable Valley Community, 1390 Maple Dr., Fairview, MI 48647
Arrangements by Lashley Funeral Home, Mio.