Rose Pieczynski

Dearly loved, Rose Pieczynski was the driving force behind the family for which she was so blessed. She was a hard working woman, and everything she did throughout her long life was for the love of family. Through the years she was surrounded by the many people she held dear. For Rose, there was no greater place that could bring her more joy than being in their company on the family farm she held close to her heart. Her legacy lives on in the many that follow in her footsteps. Sadly missed, Rose will be fondly remembered in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Rose was born during a decade of advancement and struggle. Although the moving assembly line increased America’s ability to produce goods, workers united to gain fair labor practices at a time when the average household income was $1,100 a year. The ever popular Radio Flyer, “Liberty Coaster” was cause for excitement with children everywhere, but news of the day was focused on U.S. troops heavily engaged in World War I overseas and the nation's advancement as a world power. Nestled in the small village of Posen, Michigan, a most welcome event in the lives of Frank and Frances (Skowronek) Mulka was the May 25, 1917 birth of their baby girl whom they lovingly named, Rose Ann.

Born and raised at home on her family farm, Rose knew nothing different in her lifetime than a life of farming. She was the eldest of eventually 15 children in their bustling household, and she did her fair share of helping with younger siblings and daily chores on the farm. Posen was and continues to be a close knit community in Michigan's northern country with a strong Polish influence. Along with her own Polish heritage, Rose was raised in a home devout to their Catholic faith and commitment to family.

Far removed from life in the big city, Rose was content with her life on the farm while attending the local school. Growing up, she experienced fun-filled adventures and learned the value of hard work. The hardships of the Great Depression affected every corner of the nation, and the community of Posen was no exception. Rose and her family, however, already knew how to live off the land for which they had been blessed. Albeit a struggle at times, they stuck together and made it through these challenging times.

On June 14, 1941, Rose married the love of her life, Adam Pieczynski. They shared vows of marriage at St. Casimir Catholic Church before family and friends in what would become a long and fruitful life together. Farm life was all Rose knew and she didn't want it any other way. She and Adam began their new life together and soon started a family of their own. They shared their love with one son, Adam, and four daughters, Patricia, Janet, Betty Ann and Susan.

Rose fit right into her role as a loving and dedicated housewife and mother. She was firm with loving kindness, and taught her children well. She was always there for them and devoted her entire life to her beloved husband, wonderful children and the farm she so loved. Her love of family and the life she enjoyed living on the farm was evident to all. Along with spending time with the family she held so dear, Rose also enjoyed playing cards and gardening. To her, there was nothing quite like working your hands into the rich soil and seeing the fruits of your labor.

Always there, always loving, and ever faithful to those she counted as her greatest treasure, Rose Ann Pieczynski, at the age of 94, passed away Sunday, January 29, 2012. She is survived by her children: Betty Ann Richards, Susan (Stan) Mazany, both of Alpena, and Adam Pieczynski of Posen; six siblings: Harriet Van Dusen, Bernice Romel, Janet Sheerin, Theresa (Ken) Barton, Julian (Carol) Mulka, Evelyn (Bernard) Johnson; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; 12 great great-grandchildren. She was preceded by her husband, Adam; two children: Janet Hunter and Patricia Panko; eight siblings: Casimir Mulka, Josephine Romel, Lucille Pilarski, Leonard Mulka, Edward Mulka, Florence Ray, Frances Schmall, and Frank Mulka Jr.

Rose is at McWilliams Funeral Home in Posen. Friends may call on Wednesday, February 1, 2012 from 2-8 PM with the Rosary prayed at 6:30 PM and Wake Service at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 10:00 AM until the time of the funeral Mass, 11:00 AM at St. Casimir Catholic Church with Father Fr. Arthur Duchnowicz officiating. Memorial donations may be made to St. Casimir Catholic Church or Hospice of Michigan. Please visit Rose’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory, photo and sign her online guest book.