Irma Michalak, 81, died on Jan. 11, 2006 at St. Luke's Cornwall Hospital in Newburgh, NY, after a brief illness. She was born in Serverna Park, MD, to Herbert and Edna Thomasen. Irma met her late husband John at the Port Washington Post Office where they both worked. Their four children, William, Joan, Alan and Mary Kate, all graduated from Paul D. Schreiber High School. Irma was active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Flower Hill Hose Company of the Port Washington Fire Dept., where John served as chief. Irma helped John in the business endeavors of: J.J.M. School Bus Company, The Valley Inn and the Green Cab Company. The family attended St. Peter's Church.

Irma moved to the Waterways community in Moriches in retirement and resided there until last year, when she moved in with Mary Kate in Newburgh. Along with her children she is survived by her sister, Anne Marie McGrane of Florida and her brother Harry Thomasen of California; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral was held at the Austin F. Knowles Funeral Home, Port Washington. Irma will lay at rest beside John at Nassau Knowles Cemetery.