Joyce Diane (McGill) Kolinski

Joyce Diane Kolinski, 88 of Petoskey, passed away on April 29, 2026 at her home, surrounded by her family.

Joyce was born on January 5, 1938 in Frankfurt, MI, the daughter of the late Harold and Grace (Shigley) McGill and was raised in Arcadia, MI.  She graduated from Arcadia High School with the Class of 1956.  She then went on and received her LPN training in Traverse City and lastly from Little Traverse Hospital in Petoskey, where she received her LPN.  Joyce worked at the Little Traverse Hospital, Petoskey High School, Bay Bluffs and at the Burns Clinic, where she worked her last 20 years in pediatrics and mostly in cardiology, retiring in 1997. 

On September 20, 1958, Joyce married the love of her life, Gerald Kolinski, in Frankfurt, MI and the two made their home in Petoskey.  

Joyce enjoyed reading, knitting, playing golf, and going to the casino in Brimley with her husband Gerald.  She was a member of the Bay View Country Club, St. Francis Xavier Parrish and was a Red Hatter during her time in Florida.   She was loving wife, a caring mother, and absolutely adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by all those who loved and knew her.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Gerald; 4 children, Alan Kolinski, Dan (Linda) Kolinski, Brian (Ann) Kolinski and Brenda Kolinski; 10 grandchildren, Amy (Chris) Nicholson, Leigh (Jeremy) Helton, Brad (Kristina) Kolinski, Kayla Kolinski, Maxwell Kolinski, Evan Kolinski, Elora Smielewski, Mitchell Smielewski, Kate (Rob) Schlatzer, and Lucas Smielewski; 9 great grandchildren; brother, Edward (Lorna) McGill; and by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, May 5th from 10-11am at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Petoskey.  The funeral Mass will immediately follow the visitation at the church on Tuesday, May 5th at 11am.  Joyce will be laid to rest at the St Francis Cemetery in Petoskey.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to McLaren Hospice and Comfort Keepers for the care that they extended to Joyce and the family during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Joyce’s memory are asked to make a donation to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.

Arrangements are in the care of the Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey.