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Alma Elizabeth Bishop Mihalik, originally of Southampton, died May 20, 2018. She was 97.
Mrs. Mihalik was born on March 15, 1921, in a house just north of the railroad tracks in Southampton. When she was six, her family moved to a dairy farm that her father later converted to a potato farm. Her family notes that she loved the freedom of farm life, climbing ropes, riding horses, and working outside next to her father. After graduating from high school, she attended St. Lawrence University, where she earned a degree in sociology. After St. Lawrence she began working toward a graduate degree, but found she disagreed with the graduate school’s philosophy and methods.
She left to begin work with the American Red Cross in Atlantic City, helping wounded veterans readjust to civilian life. There she met and fell in love with Michael Mihalik who was recuperating from injuries received in France. They were married in 1946.
While her husband attended Harvard University, Mrs. Mihalik worked in the university library. Their first son, William, was born in Boston.
They moved on to Columbia University where Mr. Mihalik received his master’s degree. He took a position with RCA and they relocated to Camden, New Jersey, where their second son, Michael, and daughter, Mary Ann, were born. Shortly thereafter, they moved to New Providence, New Jersey, where they lived and raised their family for more than 30 years. After Mr. Mihalik’s retirement from RCA, the couple returned to live on the family farm in Southampton. They lived there until 2002 when they relocated to Peconic Landing on the North Fork.
According to her children, Mrs. Mihalik was forever ready for a new adventure, whether it was hunting for wild munchables in the woods or out-skiing a moose in Alaska. Her love for her family and friends was without bounds. She believed in the fundamental goodness of life and radiated joy to those around her.
Mrs. Mihalik was predeceased by her husband, Michael Mihalik; her son, Michael Adams Mihalik; her brother, James Bishop; and sister, Helen Bishop White. She is survived by her sister, Jane Bishop Seabury (Donald); her son, William Mihalik (Sandra); her daughter, Mary Ann Mihalik Ward (Brian); her granddaughter, Ariana Ward Jespersen (Steffen); her grandson, Brian Michael Ward; and her great-granddaughter, Ella Ward Jespersen.
A memorial service is being planned for September.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Southold or the Peconic Land Trust.
on May 29, 2018