Cecilia F. Grodzicki

Cecilia Grodzicki was a compassionate woman who had gained much wisdom through personal hardships and triumphs. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on November 14, 1921, Cecilia learned about hard work and the importance of family from her parents. Her father, Joseph Koprowski, was a Polish immigrant who supported the family by working as a cabinetmaker and cemetery sexton. Her mother, Josephine (Lassa) managed their home, which was a huge job considering that Cecilia was the seventh child in the family, and four more followed!

The Koprowski's west side neighborhood was predominantly Polish and they faithfully attended St. Adalbert's Catholic Church. The children were sent to St. Adalbert school, but Cecilia only attended through elementary school, leaving when Josephine began a battle with cancer and extra help was needed at home.

Cecilia fell in love with a man named Stanley Grodzicki. They were married at St. Adalbert's. Sadly, both of Cecilia's parents died while some of her younger siblings were still living at home. Cecilia and Stanley bought her parents' home at 860 2nd Street and cared for them. In 1963, she and Stanley built a home on Beaumont Street NW. Tragedy struck once again when Stanley suffered a heart attack at work and died at the age of forty-six.

Cecilia never remarried. She learned several new skills so that she could supplement her income. She became a hairdresser, then later worked as a nurse's aide and found employment at St. Ann's Home. Being a nurse's aide suited her personality and she loved being able to help people. She moved on to another job at Kent Community Hospital where she remained until her retirement in 1982.

After Stanley's death, Cecilia lived at Beaumont Home for two years, then moved into a duplex that she shared with her sister Gert and brother-in-law Jerry. It was nice to be so close to family, and she lived there for thirty years. After Jerry died, both Cecilia and Gert moved into Grandview apartments together.

Cecilia loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her very own children and they were extremely fond of her. Her nephew Chris Didion visited her every week, often finding her busy at a crossword puzzle. He helped out by running her errands and doing her shopping for several years.

In the fall of 2005, Cecilia noticed that she was gradually losing her strength and one day collapsed in her apartment. She was taken to St. Mary's Hospital and was diagnosed with lung and kidney cancer. She was later admitted to Crestview Manor where she received kind and loving care from the staff for which her family was immeasurably grateful. Cecilia touched her family in countless ways and leaves them with many sweet memories.

Cecilia passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2006, at Heartland Health - Crestview Manor with her family at her side. Her husband, Stanley, preceded her in death. Survivors include her sister, Rose (Robert) Didion; brothers, Chester (Alberta) Koprowski, and James (Teresa) Koprowski of Cerritos, California; sisters-in-law, Geraldine Koprowski and Betty Cooper of Perry, Iowa; and many nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Cecilia's life will be held on Tuesday, April 11, at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral home on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Please visit Cecilia's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, sign the online guest book, or order flowers.