Roberta R. "Bobbi" Mihalchik

Mihaichik, Mrs. Roberta R. "Bobbi"
Portage, MI Passed away Thursday evening, January 16th at her residence surrounded by her loved ones after a long and courageous battle with cancer. "Bobbi" as she liked to be called was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on November 5, 1952. She was the daughter of the late Joseph and Rita Schafer Roche. Bobbi graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1970. She continued her love of learning at The College of Steubenville, graduating in 1974. Bobbi then furthered her education, receiving her Master's degree from Western Michigan University. Surviving are her husband and love of her life, George D. Mihalchik Sr.; her son, Jon Pearsall; "her baby". She is also survived by sister, Jaqueline Roche Warno of Asburn, VA; brothers, Brian Roche of Pittsburgh, PA; Kenneth Roche of Sandy Hook, CT and several nieces and nephews. She will also be greatly missed by Jon's father, Jack Pearsall and George's daughters, Katie and Jennifer. During the warmer months, Bobbi enjoyed visiting for hours with family and friends on her porch over a glass of wine and she always had treats for the neighborhood kids that stopped by. When Fall approached; you would find her watching football. She was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan. She tried never to miss a televised game in which she would be decked out from head to toe in Steeler garb. On football Saturdays she would watch and root for Michigan State for Jon and Penn State for George, always wearing the appropriate school colors. She was glad to see Michigan State win the Rose Bowl because it made "her baby" happy. Bobbi truly enjoyed being a wife and mother. Bobbi was a special education teacher at Watervliet Middle School and truly loved her profession and the kids she taught. She would talk for hours about her day at school and how she enjoyed doing it. She was a great role model to many, her passion, strength and courage was contagious. She loved to watch Little House on the Prairie, One of her favorite episodes in which a poem was read, truly characterizes Bobbi, It went like this..."Remember me with Smiles and Laughter, For that is the way I will remember you all, For if you remember me with tears and sorrow, Then don't remember me at all". She was grateful for the many visits, phone calls and time spent with her brothers, sister, family and countless number of friends during her illness. Bobbi's wish was to be cremated. There will be no visitation or services.