Nellie Elizabeth Koczara, age 94 of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2021 surrounded by her family and friends. She is survived by her daughter CeCe (Keith) Giles, daughter-in-law Mary Ann Koczara, grandchildren Scott (Carmen) Giles, David Giles, Mark (Cortney) Giles, Christopher (Tammy) Koczara, Heather (Todd) Nucci, sister-in-law Irene Koczara, eight great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Nellie was preceded in death by her late husband Henry, daughter Paula Koczara, son Michael Koczara, siblings Julia (Louis) Arnold and Stanley Kokuba, Katherine (Charles) Srednicki, Viola (Edward) Prunk, Joseph (Helen) Kokuba, and her sweet angel grand-daughter Peyton. Nellie was a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She was a talented singer for the St. Isaac’s Choir. Nellie loved spending time taking care of her plants and flowers. She loved dancing to polka music and spending time with friends and family. Nellie touched the lives of many people with her compassion, kindness, generosity, and wonderful sense of humor. Her door was always open for the wayward friend of her kids or to share candy with many neighbor children. She was dedicated to her family, friends, and work. She began her career as a deli clerk and worked all the way to the top as a Kowalski’s store manager. She spent 50 years, the longest span of any employee, taking extra special care of each customer. Her positive attitude and zest for life made walking into the Kowalski Deli a special treat for anyone, especially the ones who enjoyed a chat with her in Polish. Nellie retired from Kowalski’s when she was 80 years old. It’s safe to say that God blessed Nellie and Nellie was a blessing to everyone that crossed her path. She will be deeply missed and remembered for her kind heart and sweet spirit. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 8, 2021 from 3pm to 8pm with Rosary service at 7pm, at Kaul Funeral Home 28433 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores, Michigan 48081. In state will be held at 12:30 pm with Funeral Mass at 1 pm on June 9, 2021, at St.Thecla Church 20740 S. Nunneley Road, Clinton Township, Michigan 48035. Following mass interment will take place at Resurrection Cemetery.
