Alma B. Mihalik

Alma Elizabeth Bishop Mihalik was born on March 15, 1921, in a house just north of the railroad tracks in Southampton, NY.  When she was six, her family moved to a dairy farm which her father later converted to a potato farm.  Alma loved the freedom of farm life, climbing ropes, riding horses and working outside next to her father. After graduating from high school she attended St. Lawrence University, where she earned a degree in sociology.  After St. Lawrence she began working toward a graduate degree, but found she disagreed with the graduate school’s philosophy and methods. Consequently she left to begin work with the American Red Cross in Atlantic City, helping wounded veterans to readjust to civilian life. There she met and fell in love with Michael Mihalik who was recuperating from injuries received in France.  They were married in 1946.  While Mike attended Harvard University, Alma worked in the university library.  Their first son, William, was born in Boston. They moved on to Columbia University where Mike received his Master's degree. He took a position with RCA and relocated to Camden, NJ, where their second son, Michael, and daughter, Mary Ann, were born.  Shortly thereafter, they moved to New Providence, NJ, where they lived and raised their family for over 30 years.  After Mike’s retirement from RCA, he and Alma returned to live on the family farm in Southampton.  They lived there until 2002 when they relocated to Peconic Landing on the north fork of Long Island.  

Alma was forever ready for a new adventure, whether it was hunting for wild munchables in the Woods or out-skiing a moose in Alaska.  Her love for her family and friends was without bounds. She believed in the fundamental goodness of life and radiated joy to those around her. 

Alma is pre-deceased by her husband, Michael Mihalik; her son, Michael Adams Mihalik; her brother, James Bishop; and sister, Helen Bishop White. Alma is survived by her sister, Jane Bishop Seabury (Donald); her son, William Mihalik (Sandra); her daughter, Mary Ann Mihalik Ward (Brian); her granddaughter, Ariana Ward Jespersen (Steffen); her grandson, Michael Ward; and her great granddaughter, Ella Ward Jespersen.

A private cremation was held and a Church service is currently being planned for September 2018.  Please check back for date and time. In lieu of flowers, contributions to: Peconic Land Trust or First Presbyterian Church of Southold are appreciated by Alma's family.

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