Rose Novotny

In 1920 Rose moved with her family to a farm in Bannister, MI where she completed high school in 1934. After graduation, a young Rose left the farm and moved to the big city of Lansing.

Rose’s strength and independence will live on in the family that survives her: daughter, Joan Look; grandchildren, Carole (Andrew) Brogan, Joy (Steven) Chase, Noelle (Kristopher) Burak; great-grandchildren, Berkleigh, Callahan and Brandel Brogan, Colten and Drayton Chase, Anniston, Liberty and Brett Burak; siblings, Joe Novotny and Mildred Novotny; niece, Sue Novotny; great-nephew Scott (Emily) Johnson, Haylee and Evie.

She was preceded in death by her parents Joe and Rose Novotny; sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Victor) Egres; sister-in-law, Louise Novotny; and niece, Elizabeth Egres-Johnson-Jancek.

Rose worked for the State of Michigan for 36 years. After retiring from the State, she volunteered as a candy striper at Ingham Medical Hospital and she traveled extensively. Rose frequently attended the Okemos Senior Center where she enjoyed beating the “young” men in a hand of bridge.

Rose, affectionately referred to as Granny Rose, loved spending time with her family, crocheting, ice cream, soap operas, and Detroit Tiger baseball. She enjoyed preparing Czechoslovakian recipes of kolache, knedliky, plum dumplings and apple strudel. Many Okemos students tasted her fruit kolache when her great-grandkids were allowed to share their culture in the classroom. The world is a warmer place because of Granny Rose and all the afghans she crocheted. We are all blessed to be able to wrap ourselves in many loving memories.

Rose’s body will be donated to MSU Medical Science. A celebration of life will be held privately at a later date. Please consider a donation to Stoneleigh Hospice House in memory of Granny Rose.

Memories, condolences, and expressions to the family may be found below.