Mary Catherine Temrowski

Mary Catherine Temrowski, age 79 a longtime resident of Grosse Pointe, died Friday November 05, 2010 at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe. Mary was born July 24, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of the late Francis Burger and the late Kathryn (nee: Lynch) Burger. Mary Catherine Temrowski a beautiful woman inside and out the former J.L. Hudsons department store sought her out as a fashion model; a position she held for more than two decades. Mary was a strong catholic; her faith was nurtured at Dominican High School and University of Detroit Jesuit College. Marys collection of religious icons was legendary, including dozens of scapulars, rosaries and badges honoring Blessed Fr. Solanus Casey. Mary a favorite in her pew at Saint Pauls on the Lake Catholic Church, where she faithfully attended thousands of masses during more than 60 years as a parishioner and benefactor. The Maryknoll Fathers benefitted from annual donations spanning seven decades. A world traveler, Mary has set foot on every continent except Antarctica. Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Ireland were among her favorites. In Germany she was known to throw a few back in her day. She was a globetrotter in another sense, following her sons to sporting events and tournaments across the continental United States. Mary took to water like a fish. She was an accomplished swimmer and certified Scuba diver. She is a veteran diver at some of the worlds most beautiful reefs and underwater preserves. She was also an old movie aficionado; she could recite verbatim lines from The Sound of Music and Gone with the Wind, having seen each 30 and 27 times, respectively. Task-saturated? Not for Mary. She could juggle myriad projects at once, from planning elaborate holiday dinners to making sure every Christmas decoration, light stands and cherished hand-made ornaments were properly displayed come Christmas. A gourmet chef specializing in fine Polish and German dishes. Firehouse chicken, pasties and Yorkshire pudding were among her most requested. Dinner parties were a specialty; be it the nuns from St. Pauls or an entire Little League baseball team. Her culinary expertise was shared with gourmet clubs throughout the Grosse Pointes. Amongst her faith and hobbies her eight grandchildren were the joy of her life and Mary unapologetically spoiled them and taught them the value of serving others and loving unconditionally. Mary could have been a blue ribbon winner on the rodeo circuit. Her accuracy with a bullwhip was legendary. Just ask her five sons. Mrs. Temrowski was the loving wife of LeeRoy, and the loving mother of LeeRoy Temrowski Jr., John (Angelica) Temrowski, Joseph (Deborah) Temrowski, Thomas (Debra) Temrowski, and Paul (Regina) Temrowski. Mary was the devoted grandmother of Andrew, Kristen, Peter, Olivia, Matthew, Natalie, Rachel, Rene, and beloved Sister of Frank Bud (Judy) Burger. Mrs. Temrowski is also survived by many other family and friends. Visitation for Mrs. Temrowski will be Saturday from 5-9pm and Sunday from 3-9pm with a 4pm Rosary at the D. S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 Mile Road). Mrs. Temrowski will lie In state Monday 9:30am at St. Paul Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, until the time of the Funeral Mass at 10:00am. Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy will be Rev. Fr. Michael Donovan.Memorial contributions may be made to The Capuchins 1820 Mt. Elliott Street Detroit, MI 48207-3485. Please share memories of Mrs. Temrowski at her guest book.