Julianne Michitsch

Julianne (Tschernkowitsch) Michitsch, 85, of Bonita Springs, FL peacefully passed away just before sunrise, Monday, February 6, 2023 at North Naples NCH. As she went to be with the Lord, she was surrounded by her children and the immense love they had for her. Julianne was born February 18, 1937, the daughter of Georg and Maria (Handler) Tschernkowitsch of Klagenfurt, Austria. At the age of 18, after graduation from trade school, Julianne embarked on the SS New York to set sail for New York City’s Ellis Island and the American dream. As she began her career in Manhattan, she became an expert dressmaker and fabrician for a small French-owned company. She had the opportunity to work for Dior’s couture, and ready-to-wear line, as well as dressing celebrities, such as the Lennon Sisters. Her work appeared in several Vogue magazines. Just six months after arriving in NY, Julianne was introduced to Ernie Michitsch, the man who would become her beloved husband of 57 years until his death in 2014. Ernie and his family were on vacation from Toronto, Ontario, visiting relatives in Glendale, NY. While there, he went to say hello to the woman who lived across the street; the woman who cared for him as a child in his hometown in Austria. That woman, Tante Sophie, was thrilled to see Ernie and introduced him to her niece Julianne. Ernie was so taken with Julianne, he couldn’t wait to make her his wife and proposed after just one date. The couple were married the following year, May 4, 1957 at St. Pancras Church, Queens, NY. The couple had three children while living in the city and then opted for the country life, moving to Ulster County, NY. At which time the family grew to seven and so did their dedication to working and developing many successful businesses: Continental Auto Body, Eric Auto Sales, Exxon Gas Station, many rental properties and after retirement, Julianne’s favorite, Heidi’s Ice Cream Cafe, which she began with her four daughters and operated for 10 years. It was a joke that she was running a non-profit because she often would feed many and say ‘you can pay when you can,’ knowing that she wouldn’t accept it. The couple was blessed throughout their lives and were truly grateful to have lived their American dream. Julianne was an accomplished artist, enjoyed traveling the US and Europe and Africa, and had many hobbies and clubs that she participated in and held office for: The Hillside Garden Club, The Town of Ulster Garden Club, The Benedictine Hospital Auxiliary, John A. Coleman High School treasurer, St. Joseph’s Church parishioner and volunteer, The Monday Matinee Bowling League and sewing club. She was an avid gardener, caring for her favorite orchids, making award winning floral arrangements, loved entertaining, baking and cooking for her family and friends; she always made time for her friends that would stop by and was ready with a cup of coffee and a coffee cake. She also loved her Bichon Frise “Lilly”. Julianne was formerly of Kingston, NY and spent many winters at their home in Boca Raton, FL before permanently moving to Bonita Springs in 2020. Survivors include her loving children, Loretta Ede of Bonita Springs, FL, Heidimarie Michitsch of Naples, FL, Karen-Christa (Nicolaas) Roets of Naples, FL, and Eric Michitsch of Columbus, OH; a brother, Alfred (Renate) Tschernkowitsch of Klagenfurt, Austria; 9 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Ernest Michitsch, 2014; daughter Marian Michitsch Brooks, 2014; and a brother Adolf Tschernkowitsch. Julianne was blessed to have been the most beloved Nana to Miranda (Elkin), Ryan, Alexis, Julia, Eric, Olivia, Aidan, Ethan, Angelica, and great-granddaughter, Sophia. If there was an opportunity to be with her grandchildren, she would be there whether it be in NY or Florida; to have sleepovers, taking them on many adventures in new cities, teaching them to make strudel, making countless rollalen (crepes), camping, gardening in her backyard, sewing dolls, visiting botanical gardens and nights out at the movies. Everyone knew they could count on Nana to be there, and they all thought she would be there always. She will be so very missed. The family will receive friends and family Thursday, February 9, 2023 from 2:00 - 6:00 pm at Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, 28300 Tamiami Trail So., Bonita Springs, FL 34134. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday at 9:30 am at Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, 100 Crestwood Blvd. S., Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. Entombment will follow at Our Lady Queen of Peace Cemetery, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Florida Lions Eye Clinic,10322 Pennsylvania Avenue, Bonita Springs, FL 34135 http://www.fllec.org Online condolences may be offered by visiting www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com. Arrangements are being handled by Shikany’s Bonita Funeral Home, Family Owned since 1978.

Julianne Michitsch

February 18, 1937 - February 6, 2023