Joan Mae Kozlowski Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

PLYMOUTH – JOAN MAE KOZLOWSKI passed away Tuesday May 5, 2020 after 89 years of giving out love. Visitation Monday May 11th 4-8 PM with a 5 PM Prayer Service at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd, W., (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. Private Tuesday Interment at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Joan was born to Theodore and Cecelia Piotrowski on Feb. 26, 1931 in Detroit, MI. She was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her parents, her older sister Marge and younger brother Theodore. Joan is survived by her 5 sons; Ken (Diane), Ron, (Cindy), Bob (Rhonda), Jim and Mike (Patty). 8 grandchildren; Stephanie, Andy & William, Brian, David & Paul, Alex & Jacqui and 3 Great grandchildren; Ellie, Jack & Leo. As a young girl, Joan grew up in southeast Detroit living above a small grocery store that her father had owned. She was very competitive, athletic and a self-described tom-boy. She played basketball at Holy Redeemer High School back in 1949, loved skiing and a was a very good bowler. From 1942-48 Joan enjoyed being in the Girl Scouts. She loved the activities and learning opportunities that it presented. She loved going to the GS summer camp in Metamora, MI. Fun was had by all and after her time she became a Camp counselor. After graduating from high school, she met her life-long friend and partner, the man of her dreams at the Detroit Grande Ballroom. Dick and Joan fell in love and were married soon after in November of 1950. They quickly started a family and upon Joan learning that she was pregnant with their first child her beau was called into action into the Korean War where he served one year on the aircraft carrier the USS Essex before heading home. She raised 5 outstanding boys and an incredible husband from a marriage of 69 awesome years. She ran a tight household, but we are all the better for it. As my dad would say – the “chick’s” in charge. Joan earned a teaching degree from Madonna University in Detroit in 1972. Upon graduation she taught at St Casimir’s Elementary school in Detroit where she led the school’s Resource Room for 12 years. Upon her retirement in 1984 and moving North to Evart, MI. she enjoyed teaching Catechism and did so for 34 years at the church of Sacred Heart in Evart, MI. Her contributions to the church were numerous as she brought her many talents to the country town. For 6 years she also taught at Eagle Village a last resort for trouble teens and was instrumental in the progress of her students turning their lives around. One of Joan’s proudest moments is when she and Dick took the entire family and their families on a once-in-a-lifetime Alaskan Cruise vacation in the year 2000. A special vacation for all. She loved playing cards weekly with her northern friends and whenever the boys and their families came into town. She had a good laugh, a forever smile and enjoyed puzzles and games with the kids and grandkids. She was a true role model, a great example, an incredible individual. In her final days she would sing one of her favorite songs from Doris Day a 1956 tune; Que Sera Sera (what will be, will be) and if you listen to the song Joan’s inner wisdom shines bright. But ABOVE ALL Joan was a devoted Catholic that lived out her faith in everything she did and to everyone she met. She lived as the Bible taught and spread the saving grace of Jesus Christ. She always said she lived a great life. Her reliance on Christ throughout her life was the cornerstone of her life. She believed in “Holy Moments”, the power of prayer and community. She would regularly invite the parish priests over for dinner and students over in the summer from the village for a day of fun and swimming. She was one of the most caring people one would want to meet and incredibly proud of her family. She brought a tremendous amount of love and grace to all she did. She will be truly missed. God Bless. Memorial Contributions may be made to: The Capuchins, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207, Catholic Relief Society, 228 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, MD 21201-3443, MaryKnoll Fathers and Brothers, P.O. Box 302, MaryKnoll, NY 10545 or Salesian Missions, 2 Le Fevres Lane, New Rochelle, NY 10801. To share a memory, please use the Share A Memory tab on the web page.

Joan Mae Kozlowski

February 26, 1931 - May 5, 2020

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