Phyllis S. Pietka

Age 57. Beloved Daughter of Cecelia and the late Harry Pietka. Loving Sister of Tom (Pam) Pietka. Dear Aunt of Mark (Rachel) Pietka. Visitation 2-4 & 6-8pm Tuesday at Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 E. Grand River, East Lansing, MI (517-337-9745). Vistation also 5-8pm Wednesday at Weise Funeral Home, 7210 Park, Allen Park (313-382-1150). Funeral Service 10:30am Thursday (In state from 10am) at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 9000 Laurence (at Wick), Allen Park. Interment St. Hedwig Cemetery.

Phyllis Pietka was a graduate of St. Frances Cabrini in 1969. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University majoring in Special Education. She received her Master of Arts in Special Education in 1976 and continued with advanced studies through 1992.

Phyllis began teaching in the American School of International Schools in The Hague, Netherlands. She joined the Lansing School District in 1973 as a teacher for the Physically and Otherwise Health Impaired. Phyllis joined the East Lansing School District in 1978 where she served as teacher, teacher consultant, and Director of Special Education in 1998.

Upon her retirement from East Lansing School District, Phyllis joined the faculty and staff at Michigan State University's College of Education, Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology & Special Education in 2001. In addition to being an instructor for several classes, Phyllis was the coordinator for the LD Master's Program and Field Instructor for LD Interns. Phyllis reveled in working with future teachers as a mentor and teacher.

Phyllis leaves behind many friends and colleagues. Those of us who worked with her will carry with them a piece of her positive, enthusiastic, and uplifting personality. Phyllis was an artisitc, creative individual who always was giving friends a personally created gift. Many of us will treasure these artistic tokens given for a holiday celebration or "thinking of you" gift.

In lieu of flowers, Phyllis asks that donations be made to the Michigan State University College of Education; Special Education.