Henrietta Kotula

Beloved wife to the late Edward. Cherished mother to Barbara (John) Angus, Mark E. Kotula, Peter T. (Lisa) Kotula, and the late Timothy P. Kotula. Loving grandmother to Mary Beth Brazell-McDermott (John), Stephanie Brazell, Edward T. Kotula, and Sophie E. Kotula. Adored great-grandmother to Abby McDermott. Dear sister to the late Adolph Gontarski.

One of the last of her generation, most of her family, friends, classmates and co-workers have predeceased her. But a life-long best friend, traveling pal and Alpha Sigma Tau sorority sister, Thelma Fell, survives her.

Henrietta was born at home in Hamtramck, Michigan, a devoted daughter to her Polish immigrant parents, the late Thomas and Florence (nee Witulska) Gontarski. A child during the Great Depression, she learned from her parents how to overcome hardship while retaining empathy and generosity toward others, lessons she practiced throughout her long life.

She was an outstanding student and was double promoted while attending Detroit Catholic and public schools. She graduated at the age of 16 from Commerce High School in June of 1944. While working, she pursued a business degree from Wayne State University, leaving her studies in 1950 to marry and start a family.

As a devoted wife and mother, Henrietta was the quintessential woman of her times—despite 4 children, she kept an impeccable house, was (like her mother) an incredible cook, served her parish and community—all the while maintaining her poise and decorum of the true lady she was, even despite her children’s penchant of bringing home a parade of “critters” that included everything that could bark, chirp, meow, hiss, croak, slither, hop, swim, and/or climb, wild or domesticated. Her tender heart and deep love for all of God’s creation kept her from saying ”no” to the never ending requests, “Mom, can we keep it??”

Henrietta was a long-time parishioner of Our Lady Queen of Peace. She instilled the importance of family and faith into each of her children by living a life of selfless love.

Her life was a series of challenges that never shook the foundation of her faith.

Widowed at 48 years old, she put her family first, always assuring her children that we are “going to be O.K.”, notwithstanding her own loss, loneliness and isolation. She quickly returned to the workforce and had a successful career at Detroit Edison/DTE’s legal department, retiring at age 70.

Henrietta also overcame sadness that no parent should face, the loss of her son Tim to the ravages of cancer. He died cradled in her loving arms. Yet, as all throughout her life, she was resilient and remained focused on those she loved and who needed her.

To that end, Henrietta’s joy were her grandchildren and great-grandchild. She cheerfully endured countless recitals, games, matches, and meets. But it was the traditional Polish holidays during which she would shower them with food, gifts and her hugs, a embrace that made sure you knew you were loved, to the very deepest part of your being. Also missed will be her wise counsel given during telephone calls to which she would answer with a laugh, “I’m still here!”

Self-sufficient into her nineties, Henrietta was cared for in her last years by her son Mark, whose love and patience mirrored the unconditional love she gave to others.

Even as she was dying and despite the pain, her focus remained on the well-being of those she loved. Her children take comfort that she is now at peace and are forever grateful for her love and God’s grace that they were born to this dear, gentle soul.

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to Henrietta’s dear caregiver Kirstie, as well as more recent care by Hospice of Michigan and Fr. Andrew.

Visitation for Henrietta will be on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 from 2 PM until 8 PM, rosary at 7 PM, at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI“ 48236. A funeral Mass will be on Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at 10:30AM, instate at 10:00AM, at St. Clare of Montefalco Catholic Church, 1401 Whittier Rd, Grosse Pointe Park, MI 48230.