Mary Ellen Wozniak

Mrs. Mary Ellen Wozniak, age 78, passed away on Sunday, September 7, 2008, surrounded by her loving family. Mary Ellen married Donald Wozniak on April 14, 1956, and together they raised seven children. All will remember her political zeal, and her wit and sarcastic humor, as well as a quiet elegance. Even through her illnesses, Mary Ellen made everyone laugh. She started each day with a Coke and donut and ended each day with a glass of Cabernet. Mary Ellen was a stay-at-home mom, but after the birth of her daughter, Sarah, she became actively involved in Special Education as a parent advocate for Kent Intermediate School District. Mary Ellen was also employed at the Association for Retarded Citizens, where she actively pursued client rights and services. Much of Mary Ellen's spare time was spent developing and teaching religious education programs at both St. Patrick and Our Lady of Consolation Catholic Churches. Mary Ellen was a lady who enjoyed summers and endured camping on a "shoe-string" budget with her large family. She loved family gatherings, playing euchre, watching her birds, and reading. She is survived by her children, Michele Wozniak, Timothy and Shelly Wozniak, Dr. Daniel and Brooke Wozniak, Donna and Jim Tefft, Joseph and Jennifer Wozniak, John Wozniak, Sarah Clark and Simone Wheat; her grandchildren whom she loved most dearly, Christopher Wozniak, Ryan Tefft, Alysse Tefft, Jessie Wozniak, Danielle Tefft, Chelsea Wozniak, Samantha Tefft, Cory Wozniak, Talitha Wozniak, Jenny Wozniak, and Cherith Wozniak; brothers and sisters, Bob and Helen Byrne, Mrs. Margaret Geglio, Bill and Monica Byrne, Rose Marie and Jerry DeBoer, Patrick and Marlene Byrne, Jim and Sandy Byrne, and Kate Byrne and Bill Cavellini; sisters-in-law, Sandy Bryne and Joyce Byrne; and nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald A. Wozniak on January 19, 2004, her son, Patrick J. Wozniak on April 14, 2008, her brother, Donald Byrne, and brother-in-law, Joseph Geglio. The family wishes to express sincere appreciation for the loving care provided by Dr. Angela Weirich, her nurse Maureen, as well as special friend Ginny Phillips. The Mass of Christian Burial for Mrs. Wozniak will be offered on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Parnell with the Rev. Tony Russo presiding. Interment in St. Patrick Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed on Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider God's Kitchen. Relatives and friends may meet with the family from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and from 2:00 until 2:30 p.m. prior to the Mass at the church on Wednesday. The Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com