Yvonne Petrosky

Yvonne Petrosky knew that her life was filled with blessings. Her family was her treasure, and in their warm company a familiar smile always brimmed over her lips. She possessed a zest for life, and each day she tried to share her happiness with the many people she loved.

With the end of the Great War, thousands of young soldiers returned to their civilian lives back home. The economy prospered as national industry expanded rapidly. Amid the good fortune of the Roaring Twenties, Harvey Marentette and his wife Corine Parent discovered an additional reason to celebrate. They were expecting a child, and on March 9, 1924 they were blessed with the healthy birth of their daughter Yvonne.

The eldest of five children, Yvonne was born in Windsor, Ontario where she grew up with the company of her brothers, Dick and Bob, and her sisters, Marie Therese and Monica. While her mother raised the children and tended to the house, her father provided for the family working for NiK-O-Lock. Growing up, Yvonne spent a good deal of time with her many cousins and friends. She was close to her Aunt Edna, who took her on vacations. Yvonne was a good student. She attended St. Mary’s Academy where she was skipped ahead two grades. Following graduation she received a medical technology degree from Grace Hospital in Detroit.

At a USO dance Yvonne met a young soldier from Pennsylvania named Albert Petrosky. They quickly hit it off, and they corresponded regularly throughout the War. When the War ended, Al returned home and soon asked for Yvonne’s hand in marriage. On May 24, 1947 they were married at Christ The King Catholic Church in Windsor.

The newlyweds settled in Highland Park where they started their family in 1948 with the birth of their first child, Ruth Anne. They later moved to Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit, where they welcomed their second child Maryellen in 1956. Yvonne was a fantastic mother. She supported her girls in all their endeavors, and she was an active leader in the Girl Scouts, PTA, Shrine Mothers Club, and Shrine Ladies Guild. She was also a member at Shrine of the Little Flower in Royal Oak, where her daughters attended the Parish School.

Yvonne was a fabulous cook whose meals always beckoned an eager dinner table. She cooked traditional foods, such as roast beef, potatoes, and chicken. Since Al was accustomed to Polish cuisine, she learned how to make those dishes too. She was an excellent baker of cookies and cakes. Although she shared her recipes with her family, no one could ever duplicate Yvonne’s dinners and desserts. She put a little bit of love in everything she cooked.

Many of Yvonne’s favorite memories involve family vacations. The Petroskys enjoyed visiting Al’s parents and other relatives in Pennsylvania. On these long road trips, Yvonne often requested a detour to a place of interest. Over the years the family experienced many destinations including Niagara Falls, New York City, and Cape Cod.

Although Yvonne didn’t play many sports as a child, she grew up to become a dedicated sports fan. She followed University of Michigan football and Detroit Tiger baseball. She spent many evenings by the radio, closely following the trials and tribulations of her beloved Tigers. Her favorite player was Al Kaline, #6. In 1971 she was thrilled to attend the All Star Game, which was held that year at Tiger Stadium. When she wasn’t rooting for her favorite sports team, Yvonne enjoyed her free time fishing with her grandson Derek and playing miniature golf. She also occupied her time sewing, knitting, cake decorating, and crafting. She attended many musicals at the Fisher Theatre, Meadow Brook Theatre, and the Miller Auditorium, and she also frequented local and school productions.

In the early 1990’s Yvonne and Al moved to Portage to be closer to their daughters, who had now formed families of their own. Yvonne was thrilled when the grandkids arrived. She was a true grandmother, spoiling them to no end. She supported her grandchildren by attending some of their school functions, sporting events and recitals.

With the children gone, Yvonne and Al discovered more time to spend together. They shared an interest in travel, and over the years they traveled thoughout the continental U.S.as well as Europe and Hawaii. They were blessed with a marriage that spanned more than fifty years. To celebrate their fiftieth anniversary, the entire family enjoyed a Caribbean cruise.

In 2002, Yvonne’s life changed suddenly with the loss of Al. Working through her grief, she relied on her own strength of character. She had struggled with her health for many years. Her fight against diabetes, cancer, and heart trouble taught her to greet each new day with a zest for life. After Al died, she continued to socialize with her neighbors at her condo community at Woodbridge Hills. Her attitude remained outgoing until her health declined in 2005, requiring her to move into Wynwood of Portage, a nearby assisted living facility.

Yvonne found her greatest happiness in the company of her beloved family. She will be remembered as a spunky, friendly, and sometimes feisty woman who loved to talk and always supported her family. She was a beautiful woman whose age never showed. Her hair was always done appropriately, and outfits were accented with her favorite necklaces. Among the many people whose hearts she touched, Yvonne will be greatly missed and frequently remembered.

Yvonne died on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at Wynwood of Portage. Members of her family include her 2 daughters: Ruth Anne and her husband Robert Prentice, Maryellen and her husband Thomas Byrum, 4 grandchildren: Derek (Lynette) Prentice, Katie Prentice, Elizabeth Byrum and Robert Byrum and 5 great grandchildren: Remington, Marian, Monrae, Dominic and Xavier who was born on Yvonne’s 84th birthday, and 2 sisters: Marie Therese Hartlieb and Monica Juszczyk. She follows in death her husband Albert in 2002 and brothers Dick and Bob Marentette. Learn more about Yvonne, view her Life Story film, and visit with her family and friends Friday from 4-8. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane where a Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. and from 4-8 p.m. on Sunday at the Wm Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 West 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak. Funeral Services will be at 10 am on Monday at the National Shrine of the Little Flower, Royal Oak. Please visit Yvonne’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to the American Diabetes Association or Borgess VNA Hospice.

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