Laura Berlin

Laura Berlin, age 93 of Warren, died Monday, December 19, 2016 surrounded by her loved ones in the comfort of her daughter's home. She was born February 23, 1923 in Detroit, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Casmira (nee: Nowackowski) Zieleniewski.It's been 14 years since Laura laid her beloved Frank to rest, but not before sharing an immeasurable amount of love, laughter and life with the man who diligently pursued her and hung in there long enough to hear those precious words, "I Do." It began with a bit of trepidation on Laura's part, but was driven by an angst that Frank felt early on,…and eventually won her over in the long run. The groundwork was laid at the Nortown Bowling Alley at 7 Mile & Van Dyke. That is where the two "lovebirds-to-be" initially met, and where Cupid's arrow pierced their hearts for the first time. Laura loved to bowl, and Nortown is where she was known as the organizer and a member of the infamous "Majorette's Bowling League. Some people in life are simply born with a natural ability to organize and plan, and Laura was certainly instilled with adeptness in that area. That is why, along with bowling, it is no surprise that Golf also offered her the opportunity of planning and organizing,…basically doing what she did best. There were many golf outings that had Laura's signature all over them, and they were definitely the most fun. And to take it a step further, Laura was also an integral part of the "Jet Away Travel Group," a membership of folks that enjoyed taking their golfing prowess to courses throughout America, and a few internationally as well. Organizing of that ilk must have been somewhat challenging, but Laura handled it all with panache and a style all her own.Planning events was not only logistically satisfying for Laura, but also gave her the ability to be plugged into a bunch of fun,…like in the many parish dances she put together where cutting-a-rug was always a favorite pastime, especially when the Polka music came over the speaker system. Another event that many sought to be invited to was one of Laura's awesome card parties, a notable gathering that never ceased to be the epitome of fun & entertainment. Nothing more says a good time than sitting around the table, sipping (or gulping) on an adult beverage, and slingin' the cards in a little "friendly" competition,…and Laura made that happen "in spades!"And not only could she whip up an awesome and memorable event, Laura could also produce some incredible magic in the kitchen as well. She possessed a unique and genuine skill set when it came to using her stove and oven, especially when creating something from her Polish repertoire of recipes. From her mind-blowing Golumpki's,…to her signature Pierogies,…or her mouth-watering Chicken Soup, made fresh with her delectable homemade noodles (This is making me salivate), mealtimes at Laura's was a bit of culinary splendor. And if her entrees weren't enough to make your eyes roll back in your head, her desserts would make your head spin off your shoulders. The world will just never be the same without someone enjoying the tasty delights of her creamy cheesecakes, or those fruity bites of Heaven in her Cherry Squares. If you had the pleasure of sharing a meal at Laura's Place, it was truly one of her best events. If you left her table hungry,…you simply weren't tryin'. Laura will also be remembered for her giving nature and her desire to help others wherever and whenever she was able. Quite often this came in the form of a chauffeur, or as she was more affectionately known,…the community "Uber Driver." Many would question why Laura was retaining her large van, but she knew that God had given her a special ministry of shuttling her friends who could no longer drive or simply needed a little help. And if there was a motto, it just may have been; "Get in, sit down, shut up & hang on,…Laura's behind the wheel and will get you where you need to be." In telling the story of Laura, there are 2 words that define one of her main pleasures in life, ICE CREAM. The creamery, "31 Flavors" had nothin' on Laura,…in fact, one has to wonder if her refrigerator might have been the catalyst for naming the iconic ice cream parlor. And when Laura served you up a dish of ice cream, there was none of this "cup" business,…it was more like a "Jethro Bowl" of the creamy delight. And when Laura immersed herself in her favorite treat, the old fashioned and ever-popular Butter Pecan was often her flavor of choice. Being a woman who was devout in her Catholic faith, Laura was proud of being one of the founding members of Warren's St. Sylvester Parish on 12 Mile Road. Always working and serving unselfishly as God would lead, Laura will probably be best remembered as one of the staples at the church's Fish Fry's as the "Pierogie Lady." Manning a booth and touting her tasty pasta pouches, Laura became a sought-after part of the Fish Fry dining experience at St. Sylvester's over the years. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Laura will forever be cherished for her resounding presence in the lives of all she loved. She was quite the active parent and grandparent, attending each and every game and event of theirs that she was able,…and she didn't miss many. She was a consummate homemaker and protector, and was truly a "What you see is what you get" kind of person. Most who knew her well will always reflect with a chuckle at how her brashness became adorable, and how her honesty reigned supreme. Yet in the end, the most precious and meaningful memories will be those of how Laura was the heart & soul of the Berlin family and the best wife and mother that a family could ever hope for in life. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Laura was the beloved wife of the late Frank. Dear mother of Susan (Joseph) Lewandowski, Glenn (Gail) Berlin, and Sharon Fitzhenry. Loving grandmother of Michelle (John) Leone, Brad (Andrea) Lewandowski, Brian Berlin, Lisa (Jash Chavero) Berlin, Kevin (Kathleen Lusk) Fitzhenry, and Matthew (Holly) Fitzhenry. Also survived by great-grandchildren; Drew, Anna, Ellie, Frankie, Grayson, Maverick, and many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation for Laura will be held on Thursday, December 29th from 3-9 pm, with a 7 pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common, (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren. She will lie in state on Friday from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Warren. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan. Memorial donations are welcomed to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 14057 E. 9 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089. Please share memories of Laura at her memory book above.