Myra Joan Rodgers

Myra Joan Rodgers, age 82 of Warren, died Thursday, August 28, 2014 at her home surrounded by loved ones. She was born March 30, 1932 in Hamtramck, daughter of the late Stanley J. and the late Helen (nee: Paul) Rodgers.Coming from a devout Catholic family, Myra's parents wanted to assure their daughter the finest education, right from the beginning, so they enrolled her in Catholic school which she attended from grades 1 thru 12. As many with similar backgrounds may remember, this introduction to education provided a sound and disciplined foundation,…and for Myra, the right footing to enhance the life she was about to build for herself. Another aspect of Catholic school many may recall was the emphasis on good penmanship. Not only did Myra take this very seriously, but her penmanship remained quite remarkable throughout all of her life.As her desire for continued education took root, Myra decided to follow her high school years by attending Wayne State University in Detroit. Throughout this higher journey of academia, some of her studies found her spending some class hours at the prestigious Columbia University in New York as well. All of this training would ultimately equip Myra with the coveted teaching credentials she strove so hard to achieve.With papers in hand and a desire of instilling knowledge to others, Myra was graciously invited to join the fray of the Warren Consolidated School District, and more specifically, the team at Wilde Elementary School. For many years, she poured her heart into the nurturing and education of these young students and did her best to prepare them for their lives ahead. After a long tenure of care and proven abilities, Myra was honored to receive the distinguished promotion as the school's Principal, the position she held until her retirement in 1987 after 22 years of dedicated a loyal service to the community,…and hundreds of young hearts and lives.When she wasn't working, Myra loved to read,…and we'd expect nothing less from a teacher, right? Her favorites were the mysteries, and anything by the noted author's, Dan Brown and James Michener. And for a bit of whimsy, a little page-turning pleasure was always achieved in a read about James Bond. Not only did her reading enjoyment keep her mind sharp, but so did the Detroit Free Press crossword puzzles she loved to solve. Music was also a special and refreshing aspect of Myra's life with two of her favorite genres being opera and the symphony. But without question, Myra's ultimate pastime was found in her enjoyment of traveling. Whether foreign or domestic, she loved to circumvent the globe in search of far away & exotic places and memories. One of her most profound traveling highlights was enjoyed on a "trip around the world" she took that included some great surprises,…like the beauty discovered in the country of Iran. Yet, of all the destinations visited, her favorite and timeless treasure remained the tropical pearl of Hawaii,…especially the beauty of Oahu. Though she loved to island hop, the attraction of Honolulu and the beach at Waikiki went unmatched. And on one special occasion, she got the surprise of seeing Elvis as the movie "Blue Hawaii" was being filmed. Another trait that defined Myra was her devout faith and lifelong membership with the Roman Catholic Church. Possessing the heart of a servant, she was very active in the church and was proud to serve as a Eucharistic Minister, Lector, and a member of the Education Commission. Myra was a longtime member of St. Sylvester Catholic Church in Warren where she also served in the church's Stephen Ministry, an outreach to the hurting through the high quality, confidential, and Christ-centered care & compassion that the ministers are trained and equipped to share. When God called her to this ministry, Myra answered with the strong and obedient faith that made her quite special to all. She touched a multitude of hearts in her journey through life,…from the littlest of God's children to the many Golden Warriors she shared lifelong friendships with, and who's company she enjoyed a host of memorable experiences together. She will be missed immensely and loved eternally. Myra was the loving cousin of Carmen Kossayda (the late Frank) Gudan and Dr. Norman P. (Alma) Kossayda. She is further survived by cousins Leda (George) Sealy, Adam (Sarah) Kossayda, Annika and Carla Kossayda, and their children, Maeleah, Andrew, William, Harvey, and Dexter. She also leaves cousin's, Janice (John) Bernot, Kenneth and Craig Allard.Visitation for Myra will be held on Tuesday, September 2nd from 3-9pm, with a 7pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. She will lie in state on Wednesday from 10:00am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30am at St. Faustina Catholic Church in Warren. Interment will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. Memorial donations are welcomed to Angela Hospice, Lutheran Social Services of Michigan, the Capuchin Fathers, or toward masses in Myra's name. Please share memories of Myra at her memory book.