Jennifer Rozanski

Jennifer Rozanski was a dedicated friend, daughter, and mother who devoted her life to caring for others. She was always willing to lend a hand and took the time to listen to her loved ones' problems. Independent, responsible, intelligent, and always mindful of her Christian values, Jennifer had a zest for life.

The 1970s were a time of economic depression, oil crises, political uncertainty, and continually changing social mores. Dubbed the "Me Decade," the focus lay mostly on individual well-being. Into this time of self-interest and ennui, Tony and Connie (DeVries) Rozanski of Grand Rapids, Michigan welcomed the birth of their daughter, Jennifer Sue Rozanski on June 18, 1977. Jen would very quickly prove to be a refreshing contrast to the era into which she was born.

For Jennifer's first five years of life, she was surrounded mostly by adults. As a result, from an early age she showed independence and responsibility far beyond her years. She was precocious, and preferred to do what the adults did. Eventually, the Rozanski family was blessed with new additions-a sister, Melisa, and two brothers, Mark and Jeff. Jen was a loving older sister who looked after her sister and brothers. She teased and picked on them, but had a great sense of humor and was always there to help them when they needed her.

Jen attended Straight and Sibley Elementary Schools. Naturally intelligent, she was a quick learner and an eager student. Her enthusiasm and talent earned her a spot in Zoo School at John Ball Park Zoo when she was in the sixth grade. Excited by the opportunity to learn about animals and obtain hands-on experience, Zoo School was a memorable time for her. After elementary school, Jen attended Westwood Middle School, where she met her friend Melanie Falk. The two became best friends-a friendship that would last the rest of Jen's life. Melanie and Jen were joined at the hip, and would do everything together. They shared a number of hobbies, such as scrap-booking and riding their bikes from John Ball Park to Byron Center. Jen had other hobbies too, including crocheting and crafts.

Jen attended Union High School, from which she graduated. As with her elementary and middle school experience, Jen showed an aptitude for school and retained information from class without having to study very hard. She rarely studied or brought homework home, but did well in school. While in high school, she purchased her first car, a navy blue Pontiac 2000. However, the gas gauge was broken, and she was left without gas a number of times. She spent high school summers camping with her family. She loved to fish, and often went with her dad. The Rozanski family stayed in tents, and Jen was always quick to start gathering firewood and start the fires. The trips were happy times for the whole family.

Jen also began showing just how caring and responsible she was. She began working at Oakcrest Manor, an assisted living facility, when she was sixteen. At first, she helped prepare meals in the kitchen. However, when she turned eighteen she immediately began working in patient care, which she had been looking forward to for a long time. Jen took a genuine interest in the residents, with whom she enjoyed talking. Jen found she liked caring for others, and that she excelled at it. While working at Oakcrest Manor, she built many friendships with other staff members. After high school, Jen took a position at Brillcast, where her father and grandmother worked. She worked there for the next few years, employed in a variety of roles, including hi-lo driver, which she was pretty good at.

In July, 2001, Jen gave birth to her son, Alec. Her pregnancy was very difficult, and required a lot of rest. However, all of the difficulty was worth it, and Jen loved Alec more than anything else in life. She was a wonderful mother, who made time every day to do something special with Alec. She took him to Michigan Adventure, which he loved, and to a Kenny Chesney concert. Jen continually planned fun and exciting things for she and Alec to do together.

Jen was a very faithful young woman, and living God's word was important to her. She grew up attending South United Methodist Church, and later Heritage UMC in Pierson. She was usually involved in her church, taking part in and then helping to lead the youth group. She applied her faith to her life, and this faith may have been one reason why she was such a wonderful friend and confidant. She always took the time to listen and be a good friend, sharing her opinions and advice, even when they were not solicited. However, she always meant well, and her friends and family were of the utmost importance to her.

Jen always strove to do her best. She usually succeeded, but constantly fought her messy tendencies. Jen tried to be organized and orderly. However, she could only maintain it for a brief time before lapsing back into her messy ways. She was a packrat, and often misplaced things, losing her keys and driver's license numerous times. However, she had the best of intentions at all times.

After Alec's birth, Jen returned to Oakcrest Manor and her role as caregiver. However, she wanted more for her future, deciding to go to nursing school. She was accepted at Grand Rapids Community College, where she planned to complete a two-year nursing degree. Her first year went well, and she earned good grades. However, she always strove higher, worrying after every test that she did not know the material well enough, even when her test scores proved otherwise. During her first year of the program, Jen sensed that something was wrong, but decided to delay seeking medical help, knowing that she already had enough on her plate with her busy work and school schedules. After her first year of school was over, however, Jen went to the doctor and found out that she had breast cancer. She received a round of treatment, but was admitted to the hospital shortly thereafter, where she struggled for a short time. A few days later, Jen passed away.

Jen's first priority was looking out for those she loved. Wise beyond her years, Jen worked hard, cared immensely for others, and lived every day to the fullest. More than anything, and as her last request, Jen wishes her family to take good care of her son Alec, whom she loved with all her heart.

Jennifer S. Rozanski, age 29 of Pierson, Michigan, passed away June 8th, 2007. She is survived by her son, Alec; her parents Tony and Connie (DeVries) Rozanski; her sister, Melissa Rozanski; her brothers, Mark and Jeff Rozanski; her longtime friend, Melanie Falk; and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. A service to celebrate her life will be held on Wednesday, June 13th at 11 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW. Relatives and friends may visit with her family on Tuesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. You may share a favorite memory of Jen by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.