Marcella Mary Klukowski

Marcella Mary Klukowski, age 94 of Grand Rapids, passed away at her home of 60 years with her daughters at her side on October 22, 2022. She was born June 6, 1928 in a farmhouse to Stanley and Adele (Wiganusky) Dombrouski in Irons, MI.

Marcella was cared for and is survived by her two “nurse” daughters Carol Sprague and Mary Klukowski; grandchildren Christopher (Tracey) Klukowski, Adele (Mike) Bassett, Abigail (Dennis) Lee, and Harold (Jordan) Klukowski; great-grandchildren Molly, Eden, Kennedy, Quinn-Anne, Tucker, Matthew, Virginia, Lily, and Annabelle; sister Therese Misze; many nieces and nephews; as well as her beloved cat, Ruby Tuesday. She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Klukowski; son Scott Klukowski; great-granddaughter Rose Marie; and parents Stanley and Adele.

Marcella served in the United States Air Force (1952 – 1955) as a cryptologist, stationed in Long Island, NY monitoring air traffic. After an honorable discharge, Marcella and Paul were married in 1957 and spent over 50 years together united in marriage.

Marcella was a devoted wife, mother, and grandma. She loved her grandbabies and was intimately involved in their lives, from thankless hours of baby-sitting, washing and ironing clothes, cooking, cleaning, hemming jeans, to hundreds of hours of permit driving with the twins, and countless hours of prayer and emotional support.

She carried on family tradition. All the children and grandchildren know how to cook goulash, golumpki, and kugeli. Golumpki will forevermore have the salt of tears as the secret ingredient.

In Marcella’s retirement years, she spent many hours volunteering at the St. Alphonsus church store, sorting clothes and putting together food boxes. She also drove bus for Ronald McDonald House. Marcella loved to garden in her younger days, always enjoyed reading, and still enjoyed laying in the pool and tanning well into her 80’s. Marcella was spirited, loving, and steadfast. She will be missed dearly!

Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 26 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 p.m. at Reyers North Valley Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, October 27 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Alphonsus, with visiting one hour prior.

Memorial donations in Marcella's name may be made to the Michigan Veterans Home at Grand Rapids.