Cynthia Kowroski

Cynthia Kowroski was a mother and wife, who, through her commitment to her family, redefines the concept of unconditional love. She had a full, caring heart, and everyone who spent time with her felt the warmth of her presence. In her, her daughters found not only a mother, but also a friend.

Cynthia was born to her parents, Bruce and Maria (Schram) MacKellar, on December 7, 1947. In the same year, the world was introduced to the microwave oven, Tennessee WilliamsÂ’ A Streetcar Named Desire premiered, and Communism threatened to penetrate American life. Cindy, meanwhile, made her place within the MacKellar family as the oldest of four children. Her father earned a living as a civil engineer and contractor, while her mother was busy caring for the needs for her family as a homemaker.

The MacKellar home was on 7th Street on the northwest side of Grand Rapids, Michigan. It was here that Cindy spent her growing up years, attending Sibley Elementary School and Union High School. Quite an All-American girl, Cindy was cute, yet smart, and had a bubbly personality, which she flaunted as a cheerleader. Additionally, she was active on the student council and voted most popular her senior year. After graduating from Union High in 1966, Cindy married her high school sweetheart, Randy Van Liere, and they had a daughter, Amy. Unfortunately, their marriage later ended in divorce.

Cindy went on to attend Ferris State University and graduated from their Dental Hygiene Department in 1968. Then in 1973, she met a man named Bob Kowroski while playing cards with some friends. The two really seemed to hit it off, but Bob never called her after that night for about three months. It seems he was too busy snowmobiling, but soon learned the error of his ways and called her for a date. They went to a show on their first date and Bob asked her what she wanted to eat, to which she replied “bubble gum.” Well, it just so happened he had two pieces in his pocket, which truly amused Cindy. After the show, they went dancing and Bob sang to her, a moment that made an indelible memory in Cindy’s heart. Thereafter, the couple became inseparable and was married on October 11, 1974, at the Valley Avenue United Methodist Church, with little Amy as their flower girl. The newlyweds headed off for the Upper Peninsula to enjoy their honeymoon.

The happy couple soon settled down to married life together in a small remodeled home at 2500 Lake Michigan Drive. This home was located behind BobÂ’s parentÂ’s farmhouse, which was built in 1879. They would later buy the farmhouse from his father, where they would raise Amy and their two daughters, Maria born in 1976, and Katie in 1979. The smaller home is in the process of being remodeled for their daughter Katie to live in after her wedding. Bob supported his family working at Walker Tool and Die and then Steelcase while Cindy continued her career as a dental hygienist.

Cindy adored her girls and loved being with them whenever she could. She was a dedicated mother, and although she was a firm person, she was also a very good friend to her daughters. Cindy was extremely protective of her girls, and didnÂ’t like them to do anything to risky. Once Katie broke her arm in gymnastics and CindyÂ’s first reaction was to never let her participate again. Her motherly shield also kept the girls from eating candy or sugar and it was quite a thrill for them when they got to have a bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios. Supportive and loving, Cindy was always very involved in her childrenÂ’s schooling and activities like dance, gymnastics, music and horseback riding. She never passed up an opportunity to tell her daughters she loved them and always worked hard to give them the best. Her unconditional love and selflessness reverberates through the hearts of her daughters to this day.

As a wife and mother, Cindy had many talents around the house. A wonderful cook, she loved to have her family over and prepared delicious meals including family favorite Hungarian ghoulash and a fabulous pot roast, but was known as always trying something new. Her family’s absolute favorite, however, was her homemade syrup and pancakes, all made from the freshest ingredients. A real perfectionist, Cindy worried about every little detail, wanting everything to be just right. Her home was a place of great pride for Cindy and she loved to decorate it, following the decorating style of Martha Stewart and incorporating some “Shabby Chic.” And it wasn’t hard to see what her favorite color was, which was throughout her home - white. This was also the place to be on Halloween for her fun costume parties. In the kitchen, Cindy enjoyed listening to classical music while whipping up a new concoction. Her love for her music was mostly inspired by her daughters, who were involved in ballet. In fact, her daughter Maria went to New York City at the age of 16, to pursue her dancing career.

Cindy was a former President of the Grand Rapids Ballet Guild and spent six weeks of several summers in New York, keeping her daughter Maria company. Up until this time, Cindy was quite a germ freak, but after riding the subways, she came to realize her fears were futile. However, she still had her moments. For instance, when she drank some coffee at a local restaurant and found a cockroach in her cup. She demanded the manager give her whiskey, which he did, to wash her mouth out. On another occasion in New York, Katie bit into her ice cream to find a cockroach, and she too required some alcohol as mouthwash.

One thing that upheld Cindy throughout her life was her Christian faith. She was an active member of Faith United Methodist Church, where she and her cousin decorated the sanctuary for all the holidays. Cindy looked constantly to her faith for comfort and assurance after her daughter Maria went to New York. On the day that she and Bob dropped her off, a stranger noticed their trepidation to leave and asked if it was their first time dropping her off. He then told them they would find great comfort in Psalm 91, of which Cindy read every day from then on.

After over 30 years as a dental hygienist, Cindy retired and spent the extra time with her family and other interests. Some of which included shopping for antiques, country toile painting and floral arranging. She adorned each of her windows with flower boxes and loved to tend to her perennial garden. One thing that always sparked her interest was her fascination with stars and angels. Always thinking of others, Cindy was adamant about sending cards, with her love, for everyoneÂ’s special occasions. She stocked up on cards for all occasions, but often forgot she had them and would buy another. Once she even spent $20 to overnight a card to New York, just so it would be there on time.

Cindy had such a full and caring heart, which she happily shared it with everyone around her. BobÂ’s family was not one to express their feelings, but Bob soon came to appreciate the importance of expressing his feelings simply through the love Cindy showed him. Throughout her life, Cindy was always very close to her parents and spent a lot of quality time together over the years. Sundays were traditionally spent at her parentsÂ’ home, having dinner or swimming in the pool. Her parents also helped out watching the girls while Cindy worked. Not a day would go by that Cindy did not talk to her mom, perhaps looking for some motherly advice or seeking help with a big decision.

Cindy was the type of person to shower her love and affection over you. After she became ill, she received care in this same manner from her daughter Katie, who helped her with everday chores and was especially good at lifting Cindy's spirits.

It was said that Cindy was truly an angel on earth. Her loving and benevolent heart made her a beautiful person, both inside and out. This comforting angel now sits in heavenÂ’s garden, watching over her family, who will forever treasure her precious memory.

Cynthia “Cindy” Kowroski, aged 57, of Grand Rapids, MI, loving and devoted wife and mother, passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2005. She was preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, Joseph (Cecilia) Kowroski. Cindy is survived by her loving husband, Bob Kowroski; daughters, Amy (William) Cabral of Jersey City, NJ, Maria Kowroski of New York City, NY, and Katie Kowroski and fiancé Joe Dubiel; step-son, Brian (Allison) Preston; granddaughters, Olivia and Abbey; and parents, Bruce and Maria MacKellar. Also surviving are her siblings, Susan (Rodney) Rosema, Max (Nancy) MacKellar, and David MacKellar; brother-in-law, Paul (Joanne) Kowroski; sisters-in-law, Marge (Dave) Olman and Mary (Don) See; several aunts and uncles; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all their family and friends for all the loving care, support, and prayers shown throughout this difficult time. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at Faith United Methodist Church, 2600 7th Street N.W., Grand Rapids. Friends and relatives may meet her family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, on Monday, March 15, and Tuesday, March 15, from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Please visit CindyÂ’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, order flowers or make a memorial contribution to either Faith United Methodist Church or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.