Miriam Joanne Ordakowski

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Miriam Joanne Ordakowski, a cherished mother, beloved sister, and adored grandmotherand great-grandmother. Miriam departed this life on March 25, 2026, at theage of 90. She was born on November 14, 1935, in North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eben Haney Kendall and Thalia Lee Whitlow; her sister, Elaine Harting; and her devoted husband, Conrad Francis Ordakowski, Jr. Miriam is survived by her loving children, Tracey Leeann Rohrback (David), Conrad Francis Ordakowski III (Lisa), and Kurtis Kendall Ordakowski; and her dear sister, Jeannette Kendall. She was a cherished grandmother to Gretchyn (Mike), Ashleigh (Pat), Jordan (Sam), Conrad (Sydney), Josh (Brittany), Dyan (Nick), Eben, and Vaughn; and a treasured great-grandmother to Aurora and Adeline, Cooper, Tatum and Hunter, Kendall and Ryleigh, and Reese. She also leaves behind many other caring family members and dear friends. 

Miriam discovered her passion for cosmetology at a young age and pursued it by attending vocational school at Merganthaler vocational tech and High school (Mervo), where she excelled and rose to the top of her class. She began her career at Blackstone Department store located in Baltimore City February 1955, then moved on to Valley Beauty Salon in Pikesville, working there from 1955 to 1966. After the birth of her son Roddy in 1966, Miriam made the decision to step away from the workforce to devote herself fully to raising her family. During this time, she continued to doing friends, neighbors and family members' hair in her basement. Her love for cosmetology never faded, and once her children were school-aged, she returned to doing what she loved. She joined her best friend, Marge, at Suburbia Beauty Salon, where she worked for over 20 years before becoming a co-owner. After a few years in that role, she chose to retire, but her passion continued to shine as she lovingly did hair once again in her basement for family, friends, and her children’s friends for decades. Throughout her career and into retirement, she had a passion for biking the many trails in Maryland—including the Baltimore & Annapolis Trail, BWI Trail, and Hunt Valley Trail—and cherished the yearly beach trips she took with her family, which were among her favorite times. 

Miriam was deeply committed to the Lord and to her family, always encouraging those she loved to grow in their faith. Her relentless drive, determination, persistence, and strong family values live on through her family in countless ways. She was, and always will be, our rock. God has called Miriam “Memom” home to be reunited with her beloved husband, Conrad Francis Ordakowski, Jr. (“Poppy”). Now, it is up to all of us to carry forward her legacy.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the Catonsville Assembly of God.

Family and friends may gather for a receiving of friends on Friday, April 10, 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am with a funeral service taking place at 11:00 am at the Catonsville Assembly of God, 1928 Frederick Rd, Catonsville, MD 21228. Burial will take place at Lakeview Memorial Park, 2724 Liberty Rd, Sykesville, MD 21784, immediately following the funeral service.