Kathleen Lewandowski

Kathleen Lewandowski, age 66 of Munising, and formerly of Fraser, died Thursday, December 26, 2019 at the Upper Peninsula Health Systems Hospital in Marquette, Michigan. She was born August 20, 1953 in Detroit, daughter of the late Charles and the late Patricia (nee: Girdauckas) James.

Born in Detroit and raised in Hamtramck, Kathleen was one of the many kids who would pass through Hamtramck High School, and is where she would ultimately receive her diploma. Kathleen was just a young woman when her life took a romantic turn upon meeting the man who would become her husband, the handsome Lawrence Lewandowski. The two lovebirds were married in 1969 and shared a wonderful 43 years together.

Following her years in Hamtramck, the comforts of home for Kathleen were enjoyed in the city by the lake, St. Clair Shores, Michigan. It is there that those comforts were made even more special by sharing them with her daughter, Anastasia. Kathleen’s next move would take her a bit more inland to the bedroom community of Fraser where she settled in nicely, made a host of wonderful friends, and simply enjoyed her little nook in life. It was a few years following Lawrence’s passing that Kathleen decided she wanted to be closer to her daughter who had relocated to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, so the little hamlet of Munising, Michigan gained a new resident in April of 2018.

Along with raising her daughter and keeping the comforts of home & hearth alive, Kathleen was also a part of the work world in her role as a waitress, a career that spanned over 25 years. If you ever dined at Sero’s or Dimitri’s, then there’s a good chance that Kathleen’s warm smile and friendly countenance greeted you at your table and made your dining experience something special and memorable.

In her day, Kathleen served a lot of coffee,…which just happened to be her go-to beverage as well. And that Cup of Joe was even more enhanced when accompanied by something tasty,…preferably something sweet. Yes, Kathleen definitely had a sweet tooth and loved satisfying its cravings,…just like the sweet release she got from her cigarettes. Coffee, Sweets & Cigarettes,…three of Kathleen’s favorites in achieving balance and the pleasures she enjoyed.

When she managed to find time for herself, Kathleen enjoyed passing the time with family and friends playing games. If it involved tossing some dice, then she was often drawn to the games of Yahtzee and Greed. If cards were involved, then the games of War and Rummy were frequently the game of the day,…especially when shared with her treasured grandson, Cody. Of course, Kathleen just might have been seen hangin’ out at a Bingo Hall from time to time as well,…jus’ sayin.’

Come October 31st each year, we’re all kids again, right? Halloween is  truly a unique celebration, but there is no one who took it more seriously and special than Kathleen. From the pumpkin carving contests, to the decorating and candy, to capping it off with her niece’s birthday party,…Halloween was one of the most joyous times of the year for Kathleen, a celebration that helped create many of the precious memories she held onto throughout the year. But there were many of the same kind of memories made around Christmas as well. Always a warm and special holiday filled with  music, dance,…and of course, the food! Food always tastes the best at Christmas and Kathleen poured the best of her cooking skills into making the holiday a tasty treat for all. And speaking of tasty,…in their St. Clair Shores days, Kathleen & Lawrence were known for hosting some of the most incredible parties and barbeques, and filling their friends with all sorts of culinary delights. An old adage states, “when you’re eating, you’re happy,”…so Kathleen did her best to spread happiness all around. If you left one of her party’s hungry, you simply weren’t tryin.’

Kathleen loved talking on the phone and could keep you enrapt for hours. In her earlier days, she was also a fan of camping and coveted the memories of when the family would jump in the car and leave the concrete jungle behind for a taste of beauty found in Michigan’s upper peninsula. Little did she know then that it would one day become her home. Yet in telling a story of Kathleen’s life, it just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the love and compassion that she gave and received through her furry, four-legged friends, Snooky, Trixie & Sarge, her doggies that were a huge part of her happiness in life. Each of them have gone to Heaven and eagerly await their reunion with Kathleen,…but she leaves behind their little brother, Mooky who provided her that same special joy and companionship that was felt everyday and held close to her heart.

Kathleen was the beloved wife of the late Lawrence Roger Lewandowski. Dearest mother of Anastasia (Mike) Salverson, and loving grandmother of Cody. Sister of Elaine (Ronald) Frank, Amy James, the late Michael James, Dawn (Jeff) Meade, and sister-in-law to Dennis (Adele) Lewandowski. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation for Kathleen will be held Friday, January 3rd from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. Her Funeral Service will be conducted on Saturday, beginning at 10:00 am, at the funeral home.

Please share memories of Kathleen at her guest book below.