Frances Anne Wozniak

Frances A. Wozniak, age 79 of Pinconning, Michigan passed away on Thursday, April 29, 2021 at her home surrounded by her family. Frances Wozniak believed in the golden rule—the old adage of treating others as you would want to be treated. She lived this philosophy by being kind, compassionate, patient, generous, encouraging, and very loving. Husband Robert, and children Bob, Bill, and Becky especially reaped the benefits of Frances’ virtues throughout their lives. “Thank you for being the best mom and wife” are the words in their hearts and thoughts for Frances today, as well as abundant memories. Son Bob recalls dropping his lunchbox on the way to school as a child and a Three Musketeer’s candy bar falling out ... a loving surprise from his mom to help cure the bad day he was having. Becky remembers her mom always saying “yes” when she and her brothers asked if they could “put their feet in to the lake water” even if having wet feet was inconvenient at the time. Bill remembers asking her if he could be a tap dancer when he grew up and she promptly had Robert Sr. install taps on his cowboy boots.

The golden rule lived on in Frances’ devoted care of her husband, children, grandchildren and the many kids she taught throughout the years. Decades of children benefitted from Frances’ wisdom in the thirty years she served as a first grade teacher with the Bay City School District, teaching at both Brissette School and McLear Sawden School. She was also a dedicated “Busia” (Polish grandmother) to her three grandchildren, Molly, Noah, and Kollin, spending as much time with them as she could. Her belief in the value of showing respect to every living creature even stretched beyond the human realm to her love of animals. Throughout their lives, her children remember their mother indulging them, allowing the opportunity of having at least one of every animal in the household: dogs, cats, guinea pigs, hamsters, fish and birds of every kind. Only rats and mice were off-limits! She had numerous bird feeders and even heated bird baths in the yard that she dutifully filled even if she wasn’t feeling up to it due to her declining health. Frances believed that caring for animals helped teach her children responsibility. Frances also enjoyed caring for the many flower beds in her yard, reading a book on her porch swing, and having perch dinners--always with a beer to go along with it. But most of all, Frances loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Together they enjoyed golf cart rides, vacations, sporting events, attending band concerts, and exploring the woods and beaches of the Saginaw Bay.

Frances ensured all of her children learned to swim. Every summer they were enrolled in classes at the YMCA in Bay City. She always maintained her vigilant post on her porch swing while the children swam, which they could only do after following the old rule of waiting thirty minutes after eating! Frances never wanted anyone to fuss over her. Even the day before she passed away she was telling her children to “Go sit and rest. You don’t need to stand here by me I’m fine. ”

“You’re gonna fall on your Duppa’ (your Polish rear end)” and “Yenny go Honey” (Polish for something) will no doubt ring in the ears of Frances’ family when they remember the sound of her voice. But most importantly behind that voice will resonate the wisdom of the golden rule and how it will live on in both Frances’ memory and in the lives of her loved ones.

Frances Anne Wozniak was born March 15, 1942 in Bay City, Michigan to Frank V. and Emily M. DuKarski. They preceded her in death along with her brothers Tom and Dick Dukarski. She is lovingly survived by husband Robert Sr.; sons Robert Jr. (Amy) and William (Eric Bacigal); and daughter Rebecca (Brian) Williams; grandchildren Molly, Noah, and Kollin; and brother Joe (Sally) DuKarski; two nieces and their families Kristy Zagata and Jennifer Dukarski, and her cat Monjo. The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at Rivertown Funeral Chapel, 209 S. Huron Rd., Kawkawlin, MI 48631. A private service will be held on the same day. Those considering an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Compassus Hospice, 5889 Bay Rd. Suite 103, Saginaw, MI 48604.