Connie Rozanski

The love of family shared and received was all that mattered to Connie Rozanski. A determined woman who persevered through hardship and rejoiced through life’s many blessings; Connie possessed a wonderful spirit of faith which was reflected in her daily walk. Her love will remain in the hearts of many and will be what is remembered most.

The 1950s marked a quieter, more stable time in America. Full of hope and optimism, the U.S. continued the influx of the World War II post-war baby boom as families moved from rural areas and cities to newly developed suburbs. With the increasing number of women entering the workforce, the introduction of the TV dinner was a most welcome addition. Although an age of innocence, the days were also clouded with news of the Korean War, but it only proved to strengthen many to work harder to provide a better life for their families. A blessed addition in the lives of James and Maxine (Jourden) DeVries of Grand Rapids Michigan took place on February 10, 1954 when they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Connie into their loving arms.

Connie was the third of eventually four children in their home. Raised in faith, Connie attended the United Methodist Church with her mother and continued to worship there her whole life through. Enjoying a typical childhood, Connie was well liked and shared many friendships. She and her family lived in the Cutlerville area, just south of Grand Rapids where Connie attended Cutlerville Elementary School. While in high school she played the clarinet and was quite involved in band. Connie was thrilled during her senior year with the opportunity to travel with her class to Europe which held many fond memories for her. She went on to graduate with the East Kentwood High School Class of 1974.

Before long Connie met and married a man named Tony Rozanski. Married in Grand Rapids, they made their home there and soon welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jennifer into their hearts. Melisa, Mark and Jeff followed, and Connie could not have been happier. With a desire to live in a more rural and open area, they moved away from the city in 1994 to a home in Pierson Township where they raised their family. Connie was a natural when it came to mothering her children. She loved them deeply and became involved in every aspect of their lives, especially their many school activities. When she was able, she even participated in some of their school events.

It was in Connie’s nature to love children, and to help support her family, she began taking in day care children. The opportunity also afforded her the ability to remain home with her own kids when they were young. Connie’s talents went far beyond her great way with children. She was also a very talented seamstress and liked to do embroidery work. In fact, for many years she did this type of work for various embroidery and screen print shops. Her work talents, however, were not just reserved for working hours or even bringing in an income. She enjoyed doing crafts at home and could usually make something out of just about anything. To this day her children have many cherished treasures made by Connie’s hand that continue to be enjoyed. They also fondly remember the unique and wonderful Halloween costumes she made for them year after year.

As a family Connie enjoyed camping with her children, usually in the Lakeview area of Michigan. Taking in the beach by day, evenings were spent on the lake in their boat fishing followed by quiet time together around the campfire. Wonderful memories were also made enjoying the beach at Lake Michigan where the trip home always included a stop for ice cream. Sunday’s were important to Connie. It was a day her family looked forward to as they sat down together to savor a scrumptious meal Connie lovingly prepared for them. Even later when her children were grown, they continued to gather at Connie’s house to enjoy Sunday dinner together. Although Connie and Tony’s marriage eventually ended in divorce, she was forever blessed for the wonderful children that came from their union.

The last decade of Connie’s life proved to be difficult. In 2003 she was involved in an auto accident that left her with a broken back. Even through this turmoil and the rehabilitation she endured, Connie was determined as ever to regain her life. It was hard work, but with perseverance and faith, she accomplished her goal. In 2007 Connie and her family together went through a most tragic and sad time when her oldest daughter, Jennifer passed away. She coped by holding fast to the hope of her faith.

During the summer of 2009 Connie and her daughter Melisa traveled to Mackinaw Island and enjoyed the island immensely with the many activities offered there. They shared special times on their trip which her daughter fondly remembers as a most cherished time in her life. To Connie, it didn’t matter where she was when enjoying the company of her children and grandson. As long as she had them by her side, she was content and was truly the happiest with them or surrounded by the many great friends she was thankful for.

Earlier this year in February, Connie received a daunting cancer diagnosis. So typical of her, she immediately took a positive attitude and fighting spirit toward the disease. She endured many treatments and radiation, and even those couldn’t slow her down for long. As the cancer spread, it eventually became too difficult on her. She entered Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods three weeks ago where she received the care she needed all while enjoying the comforts of home. At the age of 56, Connie passed away into the loving arms of her Lord on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2010.

During her stay at Trillium Woods, Connie retained her positive attitude and was even walking around the day prior to her passing. Her strong will, determination and the love and care she held for her children was evident throughout her life and well into her battle with cancer. May her love be what is remembered most.

Connie is survived by her children: Melisa Rozanski, Mark Rozanski, Jeff Rozanski; her grandson, Alec Rozanski; sisters, brother and their spouses: Dorie and Phil Bilas, Dennis and Barb DeVries, Julie DeVries; nieces and nephews. A service to celebrate Connie’s life will be held Wednesday, December 1, 2010, 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church, 19931 W. Kendaville Road in Pierson, Michigan. A graveside service will take place at 3:00 PM Wednesday at Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with her family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van’t Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard Street NW on Tuesday from 7-9 PM and at the church on Wednesday from 10 AM until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Faith Hospice would be appreciated. To read more of Connie’s life, share a memory or to sign her online register book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.