Obituary of Joan E. Kostrzewa

KOSTRZEWA, Joan E. of Saginaw, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, April 19, 2014 at St. Mary's of Michigan. She was 91 years old. Joan Ellen Bitterman was born on February 15, 1923 in Chesaning, Michigan to the late Otto and Myrtie (Cummings) Bitterman. She married Anthony Kostrzewa in 1947; he preceded her in death in July 1972. Joan graduated from Chesaning High School in 1941. Later, she graduated from the Saginaw General School of Nursing in 1944. During her nursing career at Saginaw General Hospital, she was the Supervisor of Obstetrics and spearheaded the development of the first neo-natal unit in Mid-Michigan. Later, she became the Director of Nursing at the Saginaw Osteopathic Hospital. She then retired from Bay Regional Medical Center in 1988. She was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, the American Business Women Association of Saginaw, and the United Way Board. Surviving are her son, Mike (Audrey) Kostrzewa and daughter, Jan Graving; six grandchildren: Amy (Jacob) Bracken, Lauren (Derek) Osgood, Katie (Benton) Willford, Laura Graving, Jacob Graving, and Joshua Graving. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 25 years, Anthony; brother, Alan Bitterman; and son-in-law, Bill Graving. FUNERAL: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 25, 2014 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street. Rev. Fr. Randy Kelly will officiate. Cremation has taken place. Private burial will take place at Roselawn Memorial Gardens. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 5376 State Street, Saginaw MI 48603. Arrangements are entrusted to the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.