Mary Ostroski

All who knew Mary Ostroski would agree that there was no one who met her and left unchanged. She was gracious, genuine, and gentle with a selfless heart that was always doing for others. It was easy to see that Mary’s family was the light of her life, and there was nothing that made her happier than watching her family tree blossom to include branches of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her greatest source of pride and joy. She gave the best hugs, and she was the sort or person who never met a stranger. A woman of faith, strong moral convictions, and quiet strength, Mary will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

It seems only fitting that Mary’s story began during a time that was as vibrant as she was. It was the Roaring Twenties when radios, refrigerators, and motion pictures in both color and sound were among the noteworthy advancements that transformed the cultural fabric of our nation. It was near the end of this time that Francis and Aniela (Mirocha) Kopacz were pleased to announce the birth of the daughter they named Mary on December 7, 1928. She was one of eight children born and raised in Langloth, Pennsylvania, as she was joined in her family by her siblings, John, Joe, Ed, Chester, Ted, Leo, and Helen.

As the youngest of the eight Kopacz children, Mary experienced an upbringing that was typical for the youth of her generation. Her father was a steel worker while her mother was a busy homemaker. She recalled her childhood as so happy and loved to share the stories with her own children. Called “Mania” by her family, she tagged along wherever her sister went. Her brothers always told her to go play so she would get out of having to do the dishes. Before the age of 5 her brother, Ted, was taking her to Mr. Butler’s class at school where she enjoyed singing silly songs for the class. Around the age of seven she and her sister could often be found singing under their neighbor’s porch with “Oh Charlie Chaplin” being one of their favorite silly songs. Mary enjoyed rollerskating, even as an adult. She loved pretending to play the piano on any flat surface. Mary’s dream of playing the piano did come to fruition later in life when she and Kathleen took piano lessons. The family moved to Detroit, MI when Mary was a teen. She missed life in PA so much that she even asked for "Pennsylvania water" for her Christmas gift!! After graduating from Chadsey HS, she went on to Providence Hospital School of Nursing with her brothers generously footing the bill.

New and exciting changes were in store for Mary when she met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Robert Ostroski, and they met when she was working at the Dearborn Medical Center and he came into the Industrial Clinic as a patient. Smitten, they began dating and soon fell deeply in love. With a desire to establish a life together, Mary and Bob were married in 1952. When she became a mother, Mary left the workforce to focus her time and attention on their home and children. When her children were older, she returned to work part-time in a local doctor’s office until retiring.

There was nothing that Mary cherished more than being the matriarch of her family. She and Bob welcomed four children including Debi, Jack, Kathleen, and Chris. Mary was completely devoted to being a wife and mother, and she had a way of making everyone feel like they were her favorite. Christmas Eve was always special, and Mary kept the Polish traditions that were part of her heritage alive for the family. Once their last child was out of diapers, the family vacations began including a week in the summer in a cottage at Island Lake or up at Lake St. Helen. Later, they camped in a pop-up tent trailer. Bob told the kids he wanted them to see the wonders of Michigan before those of the rest of the country, so camping vacations were all in Michigan. For years they also spent two weeks each summer in the Tent Village at Camp Dearborn in Milford. Mary gave the best “Mama hugs,” and her family will continue to carry on her warmth, her loving kindness, and her sacrificial generosity toward others.

Over the years Mary maintained an active lifestyle. From the beginning of their retirement years, she and Bob loved traveling in their motor home. They went all over the country making sure to spend extra weeks in Las Vegas. They also spent time in Florida, eventually selling their Dearborn home and becoming official Floridians. They drove up each summer to spend a month with their children, grandchildren and other family and friends. For years Mary was part of a sewing club with her dear friends, and enjoyed doing crafts with her daughters, sister, and her nieces. During pro football games, it was not uncommon for Mary to jump out of her seat to cheer~or yell~at the television, and when her children were younger she enjoyed playing football with them on camping trips. Although not a big television watcher, Mary did enjoy watching Shark Tank, Molly B’s Polka Party, and Perry Mason. She loved to dance and sing with others at social events. Mary was an avid card player and, over the years, she has caused many people to love AND lose the card game “Hand & Foot.” According to Kathleen, she was the best Pictionary partner that Kathleen ever had. To say she was a voracious reader would be putting it mildly since she had to write the names of the books she read in a notebook to avoid reading them again!

With a life that spanned times of great change around her, Mary Ostroski, made a significant impact in the lives of all who were within her reach. She was devout in her Catholic faith and diligently covered her loved ones in prayer. Known for her selfless acts, Mary was the sort of person who would do what she could for others in ways both great and small. She had a great sense of humor and her laughter was contagious. Mary’s timeless legacy will be proudly carried on by those who follow in her footsteps.

Mary Ostroski died on August 12, 2015. Mary’s family includes her children, Debi (Joe) Charbonneau, John (Judy) Ostroski, Kathleen (Rich) Diamond, and Chris Ostroski; grandchildren, Mike (Carrie), Rachel, Kevin (Lauren), Mark, Caitlin, Jason (Katherine), Kevin, Amy (Alex), Jack, Zeke, and Emily; six great-grandchildren, with two more arriving very soon; sister, Helen Szybisty, sister-in-law, Jackie Hutchison, and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Robert. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, 2-9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. Rosary at our Neely-Turowski Life Story Funeral Home; 30200 Five Mile Rd (btn Merriman and Middlebelt). Funeral Mass Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. (in state 10 a.m.) at St. Edith Parish; 15089 Newburgh Rd (south of 5 mile). Interment Parkview cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to Tidewell Hospice 5955 Rand Blvd Sarasota, FL 34238. Sign the guest book, share memories or upload photos at: www.TurowskiLifeStory.com