Elizabeth "B.J" Wesoloski

Elizabeth "BJ" Wesoloski, beloved sister, aunt and accomplished nurse practitioner, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, at the Rose Arbor Hospice Home in Kalamazoo, MI. She was born on May 28, 1936, in Vicksburg, MI.

BJ had a remarkable career that spanned over several decades and took her across the globe. She dedicated her life to caring for others and making a positive impact wherever she went making many friends along the way. BJ was a 1954 graduate of VHS and then Borgess School of Nursing in Kalamazoo. Her career started as a nurse at Franklin Memorial Hospital in Vicksburg. Six months later she went to Borgess Hospital working the day shifts. This led to her becoming an assistant to the Director of Nursing. She then left for two years to attend the University of Colorado in Boulder, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Her commitment to excellence and unwavering passion soon led her to join the faculty at Borgess School of Nursing upon her return from Colorado.

In 1963, BJ set off on a new adventure by accepting a position at St. Luke's Hospital of Nursing in San Francisco, CA. This marked the beginning of her international travels as she embarked on a fulfilling career with the United States Department of State, Foreign Service. As part of this vital department, she provided essential healthcare services to American personnel and their families stationed at various U.S. Embassies around the world.

Throughout her tenure with the State Department, BJ held assignments in Afghanistan, Nigeria, Ecuador, Nepal, Bolivia, Bukina Faso, Pakistan, Poland, Sri Lanka, and the country of Georgia. Her dedication to improving healthcare access in desperate corners of the world touched countless lives and left an indelible mark on those she encountered. Because of this she received several professional accolades from many distinguished individuals including a letter of commendation from the First Lady of the United States, Hillary Rodham Clinton. These acknowledgments served as a testament to BJ's unwavering dedication to her work and the positive impact she had on the lives of others.

In addition to her professional achievements, BJ will be fondly remembered for her warm heart and generous spirit. Her family will always remember her for her unwavering determination and independent nature. BJ's love knew no bounds – she extended it not only to her family but also to everyone she met along life's journey.

Outside of work and caring for others, BJ had many diverse interests. She took pleasure in creating culinary delights inspired by her travels, often treating her family and friends to meals infused with flavors from the countries she once called home. Her scrapbooking skills brought cherished memories to life and will be appreciated by generations to come. She was an accomplished seamstress and made many of her own clothes. BJ also was an avid reader and there was nothing she enjoyed more than immersing herself in a good mystery and she looked forward to the daily challenge of a complex crossword puzzle.

Elizabeth “BJ” Wesoloski, of Vicksburg passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at the age of 87. She is survived by her three siblings: Walter (Jane) Wesoloski, of Vicksburg; Edward “Butch” (Karen) Wesoloski, of Three Rivers; and Lou Ann Ambro, of Richland; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

BJ is preceded in death by her parents: Ignace “James” and Eva Mary (Rapacz) Wesoloski; one brother Jim Wesoloski; sister-in-law: Jo Wesoloski; and brother-in-law: Michael J. Ambro, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Martin of Tours on Friday, July 19th at 11am. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the service beginning at 10am.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign BJ’s guestbook, check on updated service information, and/or share your favorite memory with her family. 

Those who wish, may make contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and/or the SPCA of Southwest Michigan, her favorite charities or feel welcome to choose a charity of your choice. 

The Wesoloski family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097.