Mary Agnes Jurczyc

Mary Agnes Jurczyc, age 89 of Warren, died Friday, May 11, 2012 at her residence. She was born on February 3, 1923 in Detroit, daughter of the late Frank and the late Stephanie (nee: Barski) Sienkiewicz.A child of Polish immigrants, Mary was extremely proud of her Polish heritage. Not only did she embody many of the old world traditions of her ethnicity, she also promised herself in marriage to a fine gentleman from the motherland as well, her beloved Mikolai. The two enjoyed a loving relationship for many years until his passing on June 16, 1995. Following her high school years, Mary found great importance on expanding her education and knowledge, so she decided to attend the University of Detroit where she attained a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. She would ultimately put her knowledge and expertise to use as a Social Worker with the Detroit Juvenile Court system, where she poured her heart & soul into making a difference in numerous lives. Mary often spoke of the wonderful opportunities she was given in that capacity, and was most proud of her work and accomplishments.To everyone who truly knew Mary, they'll recall how devout she was to her faith. A longtime parishioner at St. Anne Catholic Church in Warren, she was a prayerful woman who was always mindful of others and put their needs ahead of her own. She shared a genuine and loving bond with the Nuns of the church, and possessed an equal gift of the compassion and care they emanated. In fact, had she not chosen the path she did, she often remarked how being a nun might have been a serious consideration. With the servant's heart God instilled within her, Mary was honored to be a part of the Daughter's of Isabella, the church's women's auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus. She was also the council's 1st Regent Leader.Of all the things most special to Mary, little could top the joy she garnered from the times spent up north at the family's cottage. Nestled in the beauty of Gladwin County on the Tittabawassee River, her 'home away from home' provided countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment with family and friends alike. It was up at the cottage that she loved to fish, go mushrooming, and pick blueberries & strawberries. Yet the best fun of all was when the family retreat was visited by friends they would have up for the weekends. And 'fun' was spelled in many forms. She loved playing cards, with two of her favorite games being Pinnocle and Michigan Rummy. When it came to board games, there was always a rousing time around the table with the ever-popular Aggravation, Memory, or Scrabble. But it really didn't matter WHAT they were doing or playing,'it was, simply, all about being together. Friendship was one of the dearest words in Mary's vocabulary, and she held each one in the highest regard. Though she outlived all of them, her life and memories were filled with the many occasions and moments they shared together throughout the years. And then there was the 'depth' that was unique to Mary. When you became a friend of Mary's, so did your family. She'd know all their names and the details of their life,'and her remembrance abilities were impeccable. Mary was also big on tradition and possessed many of the old world traits passed down to her,'and which she passed down to her children as well. She loved to work in the garden, which helped to provide the produce that she would preserve through the age-old art of canning and pickling. Whether fruits or vegetables,'if it could be canned or jammed, you'd probably find it on the shelf in Mary's pantry. Then there was the traditions woven into the joy of the holidays. So many memories of how Mary would make them warm and special for her family. And being the consummate Polish mother, the kitchen was her palace! The traditions of the 'family meal' meant that nobody was walking away from the table hungry. But Mary's meals weren't simply something thrown together,'rather, it was all made from scratch. She even made her own sausage! Yet as incredibly as her meals will be remembered, it's her baking skills that will leave the greatest impact. Mary was truly a Baking Queen, and her treats made many-an-eye roll back in their heads. Though her baked goods covered a wide variation of tasty delights, there were two areas that she shined the most. One of these specialties included her infamous birthday cakes. It wasn't a birthday party without one of Mary's loving creations. Her other specialty was in the art of making cookies. She made them for everybody, and for all occasions. From the trays she shared at the doctor's offices, to the little delights extended to her children's friends, to the host of family who enjoyed her treats, she was renowned for exciting the sweet tooth to the world! A loving wife, mother and grandmother, she leaves behind a legacy of love that will be cherished always and regarded reverently. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. She was the beloved wife of the late Mikolai. Dear mother of Gerard and Monica (James) Gould. Loving grandmother of Jason and Matthew Gould. Sister of the late Frank Sienkiewicz. Visitation for Mary will take place on Monday, May 14th from 5-9pm and Tuesday from 2-9pm, with a 6:30pm Rosary Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 1/2 Mile Rd) in Warren. She will lie in state Wednesday from 9:30am until the time of Mass at 10:00am at St. Anne Catholic Church, 32000 Mound Road in Warren. Officiating the liturgy will be Rev. Fr. Alberto Bondy. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Township, Michigan.Memorial donations are welcomed to: St. Anne Catholic Church, 32000 Mound Road, Warren, MI 48092.Please share memories of Mary at her guest book.