Obituary of Patricia Ann Kostrzewa

Kostrzewa, Patricia Ann

Carrollton Township

Our loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother was called to her heavenly home on Saturday evening, September 4, 2021 surrounded by her family at Covenant Healthcare in Saginaw. She was 88 years old. Patricia Ann Smith was born May 23, 1933 in Saginaw, Michigan to the late Charles and Catherine (LaVigne) Smith. She married the love of her life; Raymond J. Kostrzewa on November 14, 1953 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Saginaw, Michigan. He preceded her in death on February 1, 2013 after 59 years of marriage. Patricia attended St. Joseph Catholic School before transferring to and graduating from St. Mary’s High School in 1951. Patricia was a faithful and active member of St. John Paul II Parish (St. Josaphat Catholic Church) in Carrollton for many years. In her later years she regularly attended Mass with her daughter Patti at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. One of her greatest gifts to her family was the example of her lifelong Christ centered life.

Prior to becoming a homemaker Patricia was employed at Columbia Mills and Saginaw Savings and Loan. She loved taking trips with her family to Disney World and Mackinaw Island. Patricia also enjoyed spending time at her daughter RaeAnn’s cottage in Gladwin. She was an avid reader and writer, authoring many children’s stories. Patricia loved working in her yard maintaining her beautiful roses. Patricia loved spending Sundays with her daughter Patti going to church and brunch. What she really loved most was spending time with her family. She will be remembered as being selfless and caring, always willing to help others. Patricia was always there for her grandchildren with whom she had a tight knit relationship. She had a 24/7 open door policy with her children and grandchildren. Patricia was always willing to pray with them and offer guidance. She loved her family dearly, never letting anyone leave her house without telling them she loved them.

Left to cherish her memory are two daughters and two sons: RaeAnn (Ray) Cronk of Saginaw, Patrick “Rick” (Cheryl) Kostrzewa of Lansing, Patricia Rae “Patti” (Barry) Brethauer of Saginaw, and Raymond Jr. “Randy” (Linnea) Kostrzewa of Muskegon; eight grandchildren: Raymond (Noelle) and Randall Cronk, Rachel Bellah and Derick Kostrzewa, Tricia (Devin) Brethauer-King and Kirsten (Tim) Fowler, Joseph Kostrzewa and Catherine (Eric) Kostrzewa-Gonzales; eight great-grandchildren: Maxwell Sorba, Charles Cronk, Chance Cronk, Makayla, Elaina, and Ethan Bellah, Warren and Noah Fowler. She was the last surviving member of the Charles and Catherine Smith family. Surviving family include sisters and brothers in-law, Donna Smith, Janet Smith, Christine Smith, Al Demko, Joseph and Inez Kostrzewa, and dear friends Eugene “Gene” and Yoko Mossner, and extended family including the Golden Babushka Girls Club of which she was a member.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond J. Kostrzewa Sr.; siblings, Lavonne Looby, Donald Smith, Noreen Smith, Thomas, Timothy, and Kevin Smith and also many members of the Kostrzewa family.

FUNERAL SERVICE: A Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2021 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. Rev. Fr. Richard E. Jozwiak will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, September 9, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A vigil service will be held on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m.

MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorials to the wishes of the family of Patricia Kostrzewa to be distributed to Patricia’s favorite charities.

Deisler Funeral Home is honored to serve the Kostrzewa family. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.