Thomas Joseph Bojarski

Thomas Joseph Bojarski, age 78 of Memphis, died Sunday, April 5, 2020 at McLaren Hospital in Port Huron. He was born February 17, 1942 in Hamtramck, Michigan, son of the late Casimir and the late Helen (nee: Trotz) Bojarski.

As Tommy lay in that hospital bed, clinging to the final few days of his life, something was missing from that picture. Not until his Group Home Director arrived did the puzzle piece come together as she placed his harmonica in his hands,…and everybody watched as he clasped that harmonica like an athlete with a trophy. You could instantly tell that it was, truly, a prized possession that meant the world to him,…and his countenance bore that truth as well. Yet equally telling was the fact that his Director knew and recognized the importance of that simple instrument from his days at the group home, and knew how much he must have been missing it,…which prompted her simple act of kindness that brought a bit of sunshine in that room.

Thomas had become so much more than simply a resident at the Nottingham Group Home in Memphis, Michigan,…he was like part of the family. That’s what you become after spending over 20 years at the same place, something which is often rare for people who are mentally challenged, as was Thomas. From the Director, down to the most meager in her employ, Thomas was like a brother, a father,…or depending on their age, a grandfather who garnered their respect and love, and made every day a new and exciting experience. And with it being simply a 6 bed facility, it made it easy to care for Thomas and become close in the process.

So it is, with no surprise, that Thomas leaves behind a few broken hearts who will surely miss the sound of his harmonica filling the room as he blew his own unique tune. Or the joy they witnessed, and he derived, when he took the crayons to his coloring books. He may not have stayed between the lines, but he was truly his own unique Picasso. Or perhaps it’s his presence they’ll miss when he would saunter his way out to the table by the kitchen to kibitz with the staff and sit a spell. Whatever the memory,…broken hearts will heal, but the chasm of loss will remain until we’re all joined again in Heaven with our brother, Thomas.

With that, the family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Nottingham who so graciously cared for and attended to Thomas’ needs over these many years. The comfort he felt and the love he received went above and beyond what his family could have ever hoped for. It’s rare to find the kind of care that was extended to Thomas; they were truly his angels here on earth.

A loving son, uncle, and dear friend, Thomas leaves a host of wonderful memories to be embraced by all who were blessed to know him. He possessed a spark all his own and was the light of many lives as his journey through life ensued. Heaven may have gotten another angel,…but even so, Thomas will be missed immensely. May we all take joy in knowing that Thomas rests safely in the arms of God.  

Thomas was the beloved son of the late Casimir and the late Helen (nee: Trotz) Bojarski. Dear brother of the late Ron (Joan) Bojarski, and the late Lawrence (Judy) Bojarski. Loving uncle of Kenneth Bojarski, Ronald (Karen) Bojarski, Brian (Stephanie) Michaels, Laura Ann Bojarski, Dennis (Robin) Bojarski, Steven Bojarski, the late David Bojarski, and cousin of Patricia Alexander. 

Burial arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan.

Please share memories of Thomas at his guest book below.