Marie Eva Janowsky

To most people, October, 1929 conjures up a time of hardship and economic despair, but not for this family; in fact, it was quite the opposite. Out of this desperate time, however, originated a beam of light, a shining star, the miracle of life we came to know as Marie (Hamann) Janowsky. Her terrific journey began October 13, 1929 in North Tonawanda, New York to her proud parents, Carl and Margaret Hamann. Marie was the third of three children. She had two older sisters, Norma and Natalie.

Given the times, life was difficult for this family. Supporting a family during the great depression meant often moving and changing jobs for her father. Marie regaled many with stories about this time. They relied on grandparents, aunts, and uncles to collectively support each other. Rarely, however, did she complain of not having material items. Instead, she took solace in what she did possess, a loving, supportive family, and faith. Music was also an important part of their lives with Marie playing the ukulele.

Marie was an accomplished student; she was advanced twice allowing her to graduate early! After graduation from school, Marie worked as a librarian. During high school and church, Marie caught the eye of Russell Janowsky. While she knew Russell for quite a long time, their relationship didn’t evolve until 1948. Just 11 days before her 19th birthday, they were married. After marriage, Russell worked for Ashland Oil. Eventually Russell’s job evolved into a field sales position with Valvoline Oil that ultimately led them from New York to Michigan in 1962. They resided in Romulus for about two years before relocating to Martin, MI in 1964. During the 1970s, Russell and Marie became small business owners. They owned auto parts stores in both Kalamazoo and Byron Center, MI.

Marie and Russell had six children: Kevin, Gwen, Amy, Susan, Carla, and Pam. As the family grew, the closeness remained with frequent Sundays finding the family gathered around the table for a home cooked meal and laughter, getting together for corn chowder, or inviting the neighbors over for volleyball in the side yard. As a parent, Marie was dealt one of the most difficult things that a loving parent would ever face, the loss of not only one but three of her six children. In addition, Russell was stricken with a life changing aortic aneurysm in 1976. Marie was to be his faithful and primary caregiver for the next 24 years. One of the most amazing things about Marie was that rather than retreating into despair, her courage and faith gave her strength to continue to live her life with an abundance of love for her family.

In 1992, Marie and Russell relocated to Dorr, MI. After Russell’s death in 2000, Marie resided in Dorr until 2017 when she sold her home and moved into a downstairs apartment with her daughter, Amy. Until her last day, Marie lived independently. She maintained her apartment, washed her own laundry, cooked for herself, and of course, patronized the local library. That is a bragging right (at 93 years) that few people will ever be able to exceed!

Marie will be dearly missed by her three daughters, many grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. Our beam of light, our shining star, has been dimmed but will never be forgotten. We bid her farewell, and we bid her safe passage.

A funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Kubiak-Cook Funeral Home - Dorr Chapel, 4330 18th St., Dorr, MI 49323, with visitation from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.kubiakcookdorr.com.