Our beautiful mother and GeGe, Sally Ann Magel Czerwonka of Loveland, Ohio passed away peacefully on May 14, 2023. Sally was born in Battle Creek, MI on 11/04/1929 to Hazel Hawkins Magel and Milton Magel. Following her mother's death in 1937, she lived a fascinating life in Michigan, Kentucky, and Ohio with her father, who was a hotelier. She attended 8 different elementary schools in 9 years. Her first job was managing the ticket booths for big band performances at the hotel venues. In her teenage years Sally’s father remarried, and she was blessed with a loving stepmother, Ruth Stanley Magel. 

Sally attended Miami University of Ohio and studied Human Resources. She worked in HR at GE Aircraft Engines, where she handled personnel, payroll, and college recruiting.  In 1954, she married Leroy James Czerwonka, and together they had five children. Following the untimely death of her husband in 1969, Sally focused on raising her children.  When the children were older, she worked at General Electric Park for many years. 

Sally was a force of nature. She faced adversity head-on, and her spirit of determination was unparalleled. She enjoyed traveling, especially to warm destinations.  Sally loved to shop, and she had an uncanny ability to find a bargain.  Her fashion sense was impeccable, and she dressed so stylishly that people often stopped to compliment her.  Sally was a wonderful seamstress, continuing to use her faithful 1929 Singer sewing machine.  She also enjoyed making beautiful needlepoint pillows.  Sally loved dancing and could still tap to her favorite tunes.  In later years you could find her playing cards or relaxing on her patio, enjoying the sunlight, flowers, and birds.  

Sally is survived by her devoted companion of 42 years, John Germek; her children Lee (Chris), David (Kathy), Jane Miller, Diane, and Paul (Rebecca); 13 grandchildren (Maria Czerwonka, Katie, Daniel, and Nicholas Czerwonka, Jillian and Kaity Kent, Christopher, Patrick and Shannon Miller, and Henry (Abby), Charlie, Jack, and Grace Czerwonka); 6 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her sister, Elizabeth Magel Mixon, and by her beloved friend of many years, Joan Taylor.

Sally's favorite color:  Yellow. – look for some yellow in your world today.