Shirley Witczak

Shirley Witczak gave her all and lived in service to others. She knew what was important in life, and there was no greater blessing or anything more valuable than the love of family. Shirley will be deeply missed, but the memories she leaves behind will be forever etched in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

One of the most explosive decades of the century, the 1920s was a time of great change. From fashion to politics, new advancements, discoveries, and inventions improved the American way of life. Wages were at an all time high, manufacturing and industry boomed and the indulgence of luxuries and entertainment created an atmosphere of hope and promise. In 1929 America’s sense of prosperity came to an abrupt end with the onset of the Great Depression. With years of struggle ahead, the generation of this era became like no other as a sense of priority and perseverance was instilled. However, for Senia and Esther Broekstra of Grand Rapids, Michigan, there was much to be thankful for. On November 27, 1929 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their baby girl, Shirley Mae.

Eventually a bustling household of eight children, the Broekstra family made their home on the city’s northwest side on Summer street. Shirley was lovingly raised there among her siblings, Marion, Bob, twins Joyce and Jean, Joan, Dale and Linda. As one of the eldest, she did much to help with the younger children and attended Lexington Elementary School. As the days of hardship continued, Shirley and her friends enjoyed the simple things in life and made do with little. Fond memories were made enjoying playful times at the park near her home along with get-togethers with close neighborhood friends. She went on to attend Union High School, and like many young people during this time, she left school in the 10th grade to seek work to help her family financially.

Shirley soon began working in downtown Grand Rapids at Woolworth’s. As a young girl she attended dances with friends at area halls and enjoyed times at the local soda fountain. Many great times were shared with the Witczak family who lived nearby. With 11 children in their household, the two families did much together over the years. Shirley’s brother Bob was good friends with one of the Witczak boys, Ray. As the nation entered World War II, both families were greatly affected with loved ones overseas in battle, and Ray was one of them.

After retuning home from the war, Ray Witczak didn’t waste time asking Shirley out on a date. A pretty brunette, he always was a little smitten with her, and likewise, she was always taken with Ray’s ready smile and sparkling blue blues. They dated for a time and after falling in love, were married on August 20, 1949 in a ceremony held at the Klise Memorial Chapel. They enjoyed a wonderful wedding reception at the Viking Hall and celebrated the occasion with family members and close friends. As a couple they rented apartments for the first years of their marriage. Ray worked as a milkman for Borden’s Dairy and before long they were expecting their first child. Patricia was born in 1950, and five years later they purchased their first home at 15 Gunnison SW. In 1957 they were blessed with the birth of Debra, and in 1962 Kathleen completed their family.

Together Shirley and Ray made a loving home for their daughters. Fun family vacations were enjoyed each year at cottages on Gun Lake and Pickerel Lake where lasting memories were made. They also had friends in Detroit and made it a point to visit every year, usually attending a ball game or the Detroit zoo while there. During one visit to Tigers Stadium they spent an exciting time witnessing the Detroit Tigers win the World Series. Cherished times were also spent on trips to Niagara Falls and Mackinac Island. They shared much, went to movies and spent time at the carnival when it was in town. Many Sundays were spent in Grand Haven enjoying a picnic and the big lake. One of Shirley’s favorite holidays was Christmas. It brought her joy to decorate the house as she prepared for times with family and friends at their home.

Involved in all aspects of her children’s lives, Shirley warmly welcomed her daughter’s friends. Whether it was a seat at the dinner table or a treat of milk and cookies, she never turned anyone away. Compassion and kindness was simply a part of Shirley’s nature. She knew when a neighbor, family member or friend needed a helping hand, and was right there offering assistance. Truly an example, she passed this honorable trait on to her daughters. As a mother she lovingly offered a firm hand when needed and never ceased being there for her daughters. Even as they had families of their own, her loving advice was helpful and appreciated.

In time Shirley took a job as a teacher’s aid with the Grand Rapids Public Schools. She put her heart and soul into her career which spanned 25 years. Ray and Shirley were nearly inseparable. She never drove, so Ray took her everywhere she needed to go. Together they shared much throughout their life. As a family they experienced great sorrow when their youngest daughter, Kathy Vroma died in 2005 at the age of 43. Although her death was devastating, their strong family bonds and large family sustained them through this time.

After 45 years of living on Gunnison Avenue, Ray and Shirley decided to buy a condo which they very much enjoyed. Over the years Shirley enjoyed watching her favorite programs on TV such as Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy and Everybody Loves Raymond, but she loved visiting the casinos and often played bingo. A great cook, she for many years made wonderful, hearty meals for her family but following their retirement, she and Ray enjoyed eating out more often and became regulars at Lanning’s Restaurant.

Following 57 years together, Shirley experienced the death of her beloved Ray in 2007. His death was hard on her, but again the love and support of family saw her through. She concentrated on her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids whom she loved deeply. Nothing in life gave Shirley more joy than spending time with them.

In March of 2010 Shirley was diagnosed with cancer. She underwent treatments and put up a good fight. Even throughout her battle she was more concerned with the needs of her family. She was placed in hospice care and eventually moved to Faith Hospice at Trillium Woods where her family kept a constant vigil at her side. At the age of 81, Shirley sadly died on Saturday, January 8, 2010.

Shirley Witczak was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend to all who knew her. She had a warm and bright smile which she offered to everyone she met. With a positive outlook on life, she was a constant in the lives of her family. She will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her daughters: Patricia Jackiewicz and Debra (Michael) Heileman; grandchildren: Jessica Vaughan, Paul Jackiewicz, Rebecca (Scott) Higbee, Kristin (Shawn) Corcoran, Brad (Katie) Arnold, Elizabeth Arnold, and Amanda Arnold; great-grandchildren: Madeline Higbee, Gavin Arnold and Kassie Arnold; sisters and brother: Joyce (Ed) Farah, Joan (Dick) Nassif, and Dale (Kathy) Broekstra; many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and friends. A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held Tuesday, January 11, 2010, 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home–Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral home on Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Shirley or to sign her online guest book.