Mary Czyzyk

Lively, outgoing, honest, generous and compassionate are just a few of many words to describe Mary Czyzyk. She was one of a kind! Because of Mary's silliness, she always made others laugh and people loved to be around her. She was the life of the party, a natural entertainer and if you met her, you would never forget it.

Mary was born to Secondo and Marquerita (Ciucci) Burroccki on May 20, 1918. Secondo and Marquerita immigrated from Italy with their first two children, Sinda and Nancy. Once they were settled in the states they added to the family. Eleanor was their third child, then Mary, followed by her younger brothers, Louie and Joe. Mary grew up with her family in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She loved her family and remained close with her siblings all throughout life. She was a bright girl who learned to speak both Italian and English. She spent her school years attending Sheldon School and Union High School.

She was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the work field and right out of high school Mary was able to find herself a job. During that time she was introduced by a mutual friend to Frank Czyzyk. Mary found Frank to have the most beautiful blue eyes and alluring shy personality. Frank soon began walking Mary home in evenings from work. He was a tuba player and the couple often walked to the park together for him to play in a band. It was difficult for their walk to get too romantic because Frank was lugging a huge tuba along.

On July 31, 1937, Mary and Frank married. It was a hard time in America for a couple to begin a marriage and eventually a family because money was so tight. The couple rented an apartment for a while but later decided to move in with Mary's parents. Mary and Frank were thrilled to begin a family. Their girls', Barb and Shirley were the apples of their eye. By 1951, with the help of Frank's brother, they built a home on Tamarack NW across the street from Richmond Park. Mary took great pride in their home and made a point to always keep it spotless. She was a meticulous housekeeper. She also tended to their yard and planted fragrant and eye-catching flowers along the driveway each year.

Family was important to Mary but she also enjoyed being able to work. Throughout the years she worked at Rose Patch Label, Diesel, Atlantic Mills, Grand Rapids Diecast, R.C. Allen and as a cashier at Family Foods. No matter where she was working it was her priority to have dinner on the table. Food was important to the family and if anyone came over for a visit they were always offered a meal. Mary was most well known for her delicious spaghetti and meatballs. Her personal favorite foods were ice cream and popcorn and she usually treated herself to one or the other most nights. Together the family enjoyed the simple pleasures of their day trips to the lake and going out for a family picnic. They got together with Mary's family for holidays and family celebrations every year. Sometimes when she didn't want her children to hear a conversation she would speak to her parents and siblings in Italian.

Mary and Frank were active with the Polish Falcons. They enjoyed bowling with them and Mary was in one of the women's groups. They also danced. Mary loved to dance, especially the Polka. She and Frank had completely different personalities, with Mary being talkative, energetic and busy, and Frank being more laid back and quiet. Their differences complimented one another and they shared many wonderful years of marriage before Frank passed away in 1974. Losing her husband was a painful experience. It took her time to grieve before she was able to put her life back together. Night time seemed to be the most lonely time for her so she decided to go out and find a job working evenings. She also got a Maltese dog named Terri to keep her company. Mary enjoyed many hobbies like ceramics, knitting, crochet and sewing. During one time in her life she sewed many of her own outfits. She was always a sharp dresser. She felt young and dressed accordingly. She often wore whites, blacks, gold and silver. She even repeatedly spray-painted one pair of her shoes gold.

While in Meijer, Mary met John Deutsch in the coffee shop. They quickly became good friends and life long companions. Mary's memory began to fade as a result of alzheimers and her physical health declined too, but John was there to care for her until her needs became too great. Last spring she moved into Stonebridge Manor for 6 months, eventually having to move to St. Mary's Living Center. Even with her alzheimers she remained upbeat and funny. Mary and her family were extremely grateful for the care they received from Dr. Sharon Burocchi, Debbie Hisseman, Theresa Galinis and Dr. Madelon Krissof, as well as the staff at Stronebridge Manor, St. Mary's Living Center and Hospice of Holland Home.

In 1999, Mary lost her daughter Shirley to cancer. She clung to her family, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren for love and laughter. Mary was a woman who was always dependable and generous with her time, talents and money. She believed that faith is shown by the way you treat other people. Mary was a loving and well-loved woman who blessed the lives of all who knew her. Her memories will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and she will be dearly missed.

Mary Pauline Czyzyk, age 87 of Grand Rapids, passed away November 24, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank, and by her daughter Shirley Czyzyk. Mary is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Barb and James Larsen; 10 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; a special friend and companion, John Deutsch brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Edward (Ceil) Czyzyk, Irene Buroccki, Bette Buroccki, Sophie Kregel and Ann Hoebeke; and many nieces and nephews. At Mary's request, cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Mary's life will be held on Saturday, December 3 at 11:00a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive where relatives and friends may meet with her family from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials may be made to either Hospice of Holland Home or the Alzheimer's Association are appreciated. To read more about Mary's life or to share a favorite memory, please visit www.lifestorynet.com