Mary Ellen Klewicki

Mary Ellen Klewicki, also known as our beautiful Nana, passed away peacefully at her beloved home on February 11, 2024. Nana fought a heroic battle with cancer for over three years with the utmost courage and positivity. During this time, she exemplified grace and the Finnish quality of “Sisu.” Nothing daunted Nana, and neither did cancer. She lived life to the fullest, squeezing the most joy she could out of every day.

Nana was born to Peter and Irma Kostrzewski on October 19, 1945. Nana was one of six siblings, and she was the oldest daughter. Growing up, she helped raise her younger siblings while her mother and father worked. Nana learned her hard work ethic and dedication to family from her parents, and she deeply respected and loved her parents, helping to take care of them at their home in their last years.

While Nana helped with her siblings, she also attended Lansing Community College and Michigan State University. A devoted caregiver and teacher to her family, it seemed natural that Nana would graduate with a teaching degree. She obtained her B.A. in education from Michigan State University and eventually obtained her master’s degree. As a young woman, Nana met and married her husband, Jack Klewicki. During her life with Jack, he and Nana lived a wonderful life in several states, including Michigan, Alabama, New York, and Florida. Nana made some very close friends everywhere she lived. Nana and Jack were married until he passed away almost 25 years ago.

When Nana came back to Michigan after Jack passed away, she had a wonderful career as an elementary school teacher. She taught at Gier Park Elementary in Lansing from 2001-2011. After retiring, she worked for the City of East Lansing in the City Clerk’s office and volunteered at the Sparrow Hospital Gift Shop for ten years. She loved going to Chicago on buying trips for the gift shop.

Hobbies filled Nana’s spare time. She loved going to garage sales and estate sales, and filled her house and garden with unique finds. If you needed something, you could ask Nana to look for it in a sale, and she would likely find it for you. Many friends and family were recipients of her beautiful afghans and cross stitch she lovingly created. She was passionate about the home she created for herself and her dogs. Nana had many dogs she loved and nurtured throughout her life, including current baby, sweet Meeka. Nana was also an avid reader and loved to learn.

Above all, Nana was 100% dedicated to her family. Once her mother and father passed away, Nana sat at the head of the family table as the matriarch. She coordinated and held birthday dinners every month, and entertained at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Her cooking was renowned, and many enjoyed her dinners as well as her jam, toffee, and cabbage rolls, to name just a few delicacies.

Nana was steadfast, true, honest, dedicated, humble, modest, and brave. While we are heartbroken that Nana is no longer with us on Earth, we find comfort knowing she is in a better place with her parents, her husband, her dogs, and other family and friends that have gone before her. She will be buried alongside her parents at the Rock Cemetery in Rock, Michigan, per her wishes.

Mary Ellen is survived by her siblings Edward (Sandy) Kostrzewski, James Kostrzewski, Julie (Nadeem) Zarka and Thomas Kostrzewski as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial mass for Mary Ellen will be held Friday, February 23, 2024 at St. Therese Catholic Church, 102 W Randolph St., Lansing, MI 48906. Visitation at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass at 11:00am, Luncheon served following Mass.

The family wishes to acknowledge the inexhaustible love and care of Josh and Laurie Hoffman, Thom Kostrzewski, and many friends and family who go unnamed.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St Vincent Food Bank, in care of St. Therese Church,102 W. Randolph St., Lansing, MI.