Lorraine Kukulski

Lorraine M. Kukulski was a fun-loving woman who lived her life by being an example of a caring mother, a devoted friend and a faithful Catholic. Lorraine was a constant in the lives of those who knew her and her love for her church and deep faith in God radiated through her willingness to serve others.

Born May 28, 1920 to Stanley and Wanda (Hernecki) Olee, Lorraine was the second of two daughters. True blue west siders, she and her sister, Lucille, were raised in a strict Catholic home, attending Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and Elementary School. As a young girl, Lorraine and her good friend Adeline came up with the idea of riding their Radio Flyer wagon down the John Ball Park Hill. They happened to be carrying two milk bottles at the time, and after a dangerous crash they were left with many bruises and cuts that needed stitching. That was a fond and unforgettable memory. Lorraine sang in the choir as a teenager and graduated from Union High School in 1938. Her father provided for the family by working as a clothing salesman for Wurzburgs Department Store in downtown Grand Rapids.

After Lorraine graduated from high school, she began work at Woolworths Department Store, also in downtown Grand Rapids. As a young woman, Lorraine attended a wedding where she met Alvin Kukulski. Alvin won her heart and after dating for a short time, the two were married at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on November 22, 1941. They enjoyed a romantic honeymoon in Niagara Falls. Alvin was from Toledo and after their wedding they moved in with his parents for a couple of years while he worked locally as an engineer. Eventually they moved to Grand Rapids and moved into an apartment above her parents home for a few years at 1204 Hovey SW. Alvin continued in engineering at General Motors, Willis Overload Co. and various other places.

In 1951 they built their family home at 110 Covell NW where they lived the rest of their years together. Lorraine and Alvin were blessed with five boys. Their first son, John was born September 13, 1948, followed by Joseph, born December 23, 1950. On May 8, 1952, Lorraine gave birth to twins, Michael and Patrick. Sadly, Patrick passed away when he was just two days old. On June 20, 1957, their youngest son Mark was born. The family became members of Holy Spirit Parish. When Michael was two years old he wandered away from the house. Lorraine was cooking at the time and she left the kitchen to find him. Rather than turning the stove off , she had mistakenly turned it to high. When she came back to the house with Michael, the house was filled with smoke and the fire department was called. The boys were always keeping her on her toes. The four boys attended Holy Spirit Catholic School. The two oldest boys graduated from Catholic High School and the two youngest graduated from Union High School.

Lorraine always saw that she and her boys were well dressed. Both Lorraine and Alvin were always involved in the boys' lives as they grew up, joining the PTA and attending school events. For many years she worked as a crossing guard at Holy Spirit School and drove special needs students to the Ken-O-Sha School. Lorraine was a strict disciplinarian who strongly believed in rules and regulations. Despite the boys getting out of line from time to time, Lorraine and Alvin did their best to offer them a fun filled childhood.

The family enjoyed many wonderful vacations. They often took summer trips to Toledo, Ohio to visit Alvin's family. The family also traveled to Philadelphia, New Jersey and Mackinaw Island. Lorraine and Alvin rented a cottage at McClaren Lake in Hesperia, Michigan which they enjoyed so much that they continued to vacation there for thirty years. Lorraine also made sure holidays were a special time for the family.

The house was always immaculate, especially during the holidays when it was also beautifully decorated. She made delicious holiday meals for Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. Lorraine specialized in foods like stuffed pork chops, Rice Crispy Chicken, golumbki and other polish delicacies. She also spoiled her loved ones with sweet treats like cookies, cakes, pies and bars. When she wasn't cooking or cleaning, Lorraine enjoyed crocheting and sewing as well as gardening.

Lorraine had many dear friends including Dorothy Walczak and Olga Urbanski. She always enjoyed the time she spent with them. She loved flowers and had fun traveling to see flower gardens and learning techniques for her own garden. She was also a member of the TOPS club.

Lorraine was a lifelong Catholic and devoted to her faith. She often prayed the rosary and attended Mass every Sunday and holy days with the family. She was a member of the Altar Rosary Society at Holy Spirit Church. In 1999, her beloved Alvin went to be with the Lord. It was a very difficult time for Lorraine, but she received comfort and support from her church as well as her loving family and friends. After the loss of her husband, Lorraine became more involved at church and ministered to others by helping out at funeral luncheons. She continued to stay connected to her children and grandchildren which brought her great joy. Lorraine had a close relationship with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and she cherished the times she had with them. Lorraine was diagnosed with Parkinson's, arthritis and Alzheimer's. After a fall, she was admitted to Blodgett Hospital. When it was apparent that she could no longer live at home alone, she was transferred to St. Mary's Living Center. She received loving care from the very compassionate and caring staff; however, her health continued to decline. She was under Hospice care and on Wednesday afternoon, July 6, 2005, Lorraine went home to be with her Lord.

Lorraine's love and dedication to her family, friends and church will leave a legacy. Her loved ones will look to their cherished memories for comfort.

Lorraine was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Kukulski, her infant son, Patrick Kukulski, and her sister and brother-in-law, Lucille and Stanley Ampulski. Her family includes her children, John Kukulski, Joseph and Joyce Kukulski, Michael Kukulski, Mark and Debby Kukulski; 12 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and many friends. To learn more about Lorraine's life, friends may visit with family on Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW The Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church on Saturday morning, July 9, 2005, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Please visit Lorraine 's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory. Memorials may be made to Holy Spirit School Education Endowment Fund or Ken-O-Sha Special Needs Fund. HERITAGE LIFE STORY FUNERAL HOMES