Kit Diane Mikovitz, 72, died peacefully Thursday, May 30, 2019 at her home in Traverse City after a brave year fighting kidney cancer. She was born May 5, 1947 in Detroit to her parents, William and Lillian (Roberts) Axelson. She grew up in Farmington, and married Timothy Mikovitz on March 22, 1968 at Christ Church Cranbrook in Bloomfield Hills, Mi.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Tim Mikovitz of Traverse City; four children and eight grandchildren: Timothy and Emily Mikovitz (Sadie and Maggie) of Thetford Center, VT, Jacob Mikovitz of Traverse City, MI, Bethany and Brian Mikovitz-Wibby (Mateo, Juniper, Kahlil, Veda) of Marquette, MI, Alexis and Jacob Nink (Oliver and Clara) of Boise, ID; and her sisters: Valorie (Edward) Morey of Milford, MI, Shelley (Roger) Schamanek of Sterling Heights, MI, Tonni Gerlach of Manistique, MI, and Jodie (Tim) Cooper of Greensburg, KY, and many nieces and nephews. Kit was a dedicated public health nurse. She graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
After her early career with Oakland County Public Health and as a home care nurse in western Michigan, she worked for the Grand Traverse County Public Health Department. After 28 distinguished years, culminating as the Personal Health Nursing Administrator for the health department, Kit retired and moved into private practice as a nurse case manager with Clarity Consulting. Her commitment to nursing was admired by all who knew her.
She also had a passion for her home and gardens. Alongside her husband, Kit spent countless hours renovating and updating their unique home and property. Always willing to tackle any project, “Kitten” was known and admired for her tenacity and determination in every aspect of the house; from plumbing to construction to wiring to landscaping.
The joy and laughter, trials and tribulations, mistakes and grand successes they shared while working on their adventurous projects, were a defining feature of Kit and Tim’s marriage. Before her death, Kit expressed wishes to include deep gratitude to Dr. Peter Kohler and Melanie Olson, RN, of the Cowell Family Cancer Center for their compassionate and honest care through the course of her illness. Additionally, she was very grateful for her relationship to her dear friend, Linda Johnson, and for their many years of professional and personal friendship.
Over many glasses of wine, Kit and Linda discussed their life, work, and families. Their mutual respect, and ability to laugh with each other through the hard times was the basis of a true friendship that stood the test of time. Kit was a beautiful, honest, loving, modest, and altruistic woman who dearly loved and supported her family.
As a “Grammie” she showered her grandchildren with unending love and attention. Always ready with creativity, energy, and exciting activities, she made her grandkids feel truly special and welcome with every visit to grandma’s house. As a mother, she was a steadfast supporter of all her children.
Her calm and respectful guidance and advice was often sought through long, late-night phone conversations. As a sibling, Kit’s four sisters adored and admired her for her thoughtful and attentive relationship she had with each of them individually. Another way Kit shared her love was through cooking, baking, and preparing food for others.
She was well known for her ability to make outstanding food for any occasion. Her carrot cake and pierogis were legendary. Her holiday cookie trays were unmatched in variety and flavor.
The staff of the Great Wolf Lodge, where Kit’s husband has worked for 17 years, were frequent recipients of her generous cooking, and always grateful for her amazing carrot cake. She excelled at complicated and adventurous meals, always presented with attention to detail and beauty, but also truly made the best comfort food filled with the love and joy that she embodied. Kit was a strong and fierce woman, with a heart of gold.
She will be missed by all, in a way that words truly cannot express. A visitation will be held from 11am-12pm, with a memorial service at 12pm at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home. A Garden Reception will follow immediately after.
In lieu of flowers, kindly send donations to the Safe Harbor Shelter of Traverse City, Mi, www.
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