Kenzie Pauza

Mackenzie Clare Pauza, our “Kenzie Girl,” filled every moment of her 2½ years with a kind of joy and light that most people spend a lifetime trying to create. Though her time here was far too short, the love she gave and the happiness she brought will live on endlessly in the hearts of those who knew her.

Kenzie was born on June 6, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to her parents, Jeff and Caitlyn Pauza. From the very beginning, she was an easy, chill, peaceful baby. She was full of quiet sweetness, but that calm spirit quickly blossomed into a playful, affectionate, and silly little girl whose laughter could fill a room.

Kenzie adored her family above all else. She shared a special and unbreakable bond with her big sister, Brooklyn, who she lovingly called “Sissy.” Even before Kenzie was born, Brooklyn was already making her mark as a big sister. During Caitlyn’s pregnancy, she famously nicknamed the baby “Baby Grinch.” She would proudly tell anyone who would listen that she was getting a “Baby Grinch,” as she wasn’t entirely convinced about becoming a big sister just yet. That hesitation quickly faded into a deep and beautiful friendship. Within days of meeting her, Brooklyn fell completely in love with Kenzie, and the two became inseparable. She even brought a picture of her new baby sister to daycare to show everyone. They loved playing dolls and dress-up, building blanket forts, and creating their own little world full of imagination and laughter. Kenzie also cherished her role as a big sister to her younger brother, Cameron. Together, the three siblings filled their home with energy, chaos, and joy whether they were playing, exploring, or simply being together.

Kenzie was, without question, a Daddy’s Girl. She would remind Caitlyn daily by saying, “I’m a Daddy’s Girl” with the biggest smile and a sweet giggle. She loved sitting on Jeff’s lap while eating off his plate, she would bring her pillow and blanket in her parent’s room to watch Jeff get ready for the day and she even would help pick out what shoes he would wear to work. Kenzie loved watching Detroit Lions games with her dad and would start most Sundays by waking her Dad up to say, “Let’s go be Lions.” Their bond was playful and tender, filled with silly songs, funny voices, and endless bedtime routines that brought her comfort and peace.

The only time Kenzie wasn’t a Daddy’s Girl was when she insisted that Caitlyn take her and Brooklyn to gymnastics. These were Girls Nights. Kenzie started out a little shy, but it didn’t take long for her to shine. Before anyone knew it, Kenzie had become the teacher’s favorite, eagerly demonstrating every activity and showing off her growing skills and confidence with pride and excitement.

Every day was an adventure in Kenzie’s eyes. She found joy in life’s simplest pleasures and loved blowing bubbles while Brooklyn drove her in their battery-operated car, swinging in the backyard, riding her balance bike and the ‘roller coaster’ in the driveway, dancing to her favorite songs, and running freely outside with her neighborhood friends. She loved hot tub time and trips to parks. She also traveled with her family to special places like Mackinac Island, Florida, Boyne Mountain, Crystal Mountain, Ludington and many water parks. At just one year old, she even bravely tried skiing, standing confidently with her binky as she made her way downhill, in her diaper, with Caitlyn. Kenzie also had a particular fondness for cream cheese with a side of bagel and any kind of fruit she could get her hands on.

Kenzie loved her time at her daycare, Milestones, a place that became incredibly special to her and to her family. She formed meaningful bonds with her teachers, who adored her and gave her the nickname “Benzini.” Kenzie looked forward to each day with her friends and she especially loved playing outside, as long as it wasn’t too cold, and getting creative during craft time. Her absolute favorite time was snack time, and she often insisted on taking her snack “to go” if she happened to be picked up a little too early.

Kenzie loved so many things in life, but one thing she was not fond of was dogs. She made it very clear that all dogs needed to keep their distance from her. In a way only Kenzie could, there was a sweet and funny irony to this. Her favorite stuffed animal was a black-and-white spotted dog that she lovingly named “Moo Cow.” To her, it was never a dog, and we all quickly learned not to suggest otherwise. It was simply “Moo Cow,” her constant companion and a source of comfort she carried with her often.

Kenzie’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her grandparents—Grammie and Papa, and Mimi and Dzia Dzia, who cherished every moment they spent with her. She loved time with her cousins, holiday celebrations, and family traditions, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July and many summer festivities.

Kenzie’s life took an unexpected and heartbreaking turn when she became suddenly ill while on vacation. Her family received the devastating diagnosis of leukemia, and despite her incredible strength, she passed away on March 4, surrounded by the love of her family.

Kenzie was preceded in death by her great-grandparents: Great Dzia Dzia Pete Wujkowski, Great Dzia Dzia Ray and Great Grandma Sally Kolpacki, Great Grandpa John and Great Grandma Helen Oleszkowicz, Great Grandpa Vladas Pauza and Great Grandma Eugenia Gurskis.

She is survived by her loving parents, Caitlyn and Jeff Pauza, Big Sister, Brooklyn and Little Brother Cameron. Her grandparents Tom and Cathy Kolpacki; Walt Pauza and Sue Oleszkowicz; her beloved Aunt Alivia and Uncle Andrew Kolpacki; “Crazy” Aunt Monica and Uncle Danny; and her best-friend cousins, Maddie and Morgan; as well as countless friends who will carry her memory forward.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 11th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Robert of Newminster Parish in Ada, Michigan with a Celebration of Life to follow at 12:00 pm for a time of fellowship and encouragement. Please wear bright colors, Kenzie’s favorite was pink and purple, and feel free to bring a note, letter or picture you have with Kenzie to put in a memory box. Also if you feel compelled, in lieu of Flowers, please bring an unopened toy or book to donate to the Child Life program at the Children’s Hospital.

Kenzie’s life, though far too short, was filled with extraordinary meaning and love. She was cherished deeply, and she gave her love freely and joyfully in return. Every day with her was a gift, and Jeff and Caitlyn were constantly amazed by the joy, laughter, and wonder she brought into their lives, and they felt profoundly fortunate to be her parents. While no amount of time could ever have been enough, they treasured every single moment they had with their beautiful daughter. The love they hold for Kenzie will never fade; it lives on in the hearts of her beloved siblings, Brooklyn and Cameron, and in all who were blessed to know her. To sign Kenzie’s personal memorial page, leave a picture or a memory please visit www.heritagelifestory.com