Kathleen Rakowski

Kathleen Rakowski (Bozicevich), 70, of Holly, Michigan, went to be with our Lord on January 8, 2022. Kathy was born in Detroit, Michigan, on December 6, 1951, to John and Helen Bozicevich. She grew up in Hamtramck and attended St. Ladislaus Grade School and High School. In 1965, while a freshman in high school, she met Roger Rakowski. They married on August 4, 1973. Kathy earned her degree in Elementary Education and Theater from Grand Valley State University in 1973. She began teaching at Rose Kidd Elementary and later at Schuchard Elementary in the Utica Community Schools. She loved teaching with a passion, delighting in the antics and enthusiasm of first graders. Kathy earned her Master’s in Education, and became the principal for the reopening of Morgan Elementary. After almost 25 years in UCS, Kathy gave up the commute and became the first principal of the newly built Rose Pioneer Elementary in Holly. In 35 years as an educator, it is not an exaggeration to say that Kathy influenced thousands of lives. People were drawn to Kathy not only for her love of others, but also for her love of fun. She had a crazy passion for casinos. Her family dinners and 4th of July parties were epic events. Kathy loved Broadway plays and musicals. She and Roger loved to travel. There were regular trips to visit family in California or to a beach in St. Martin, but there were also trips of discovery to new places like Japan, Australia, Italy, Bali, the National Parks and Caribbean cruises. Hers was a life well-lived, leaving each person she met with a playful wink or a radiant smile. Kathy was a dedicated, caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, administrator, spiritual director, and friend. Colleagues, parents, families, and students were daily blessed with her contagious spirit and joy. She was also a devoted Christian at two churches, Divine Mercy and Church of the Holy Spirit. She taught catechism, sang in the choirs, led several prayer groups, and was very active in the Charismatic Renewal. She was adored by all and many people looked forward to hearing her voice and seeing her arms stretched heavenward in praise. Everything Kathy did was done with faith; every person Kathy greeted was wrapped in love. Kathy is survived by her husband Roger, sons Adam and Joel, granddaughter Abigail Hope Rakowski, brothers John Bozicevich (Kristine) and Richard Bozicevich (Christine), sister Patricia Bell (Bryan), sister-in-law Cynthia Ranke, brothers-in-law John Rakowski (Rita) and Thomas Rakowski (Diane), a multitude of beloved nieces and nephews, and a growing number of great nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Kathy will be held Thursday, January 13, 2022 from 4-8 p.m. at the Lewis E. Wint & Son Funeral Home, 5929 S. Main St., Clarkston, Michigan. Visitation will resume on Friday from 3-8 p.m. with a Scripture Reading, Life Celebration and some Story Sharing to begin at 6:30 p.m. Kathy will lie in state on Saturday, with a time of praise & worship, from 9:30 a.m. until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 Harvey Lake Road in Highland Township, Michigan. The Reverend Fathers Wayne Ureel, John Budde and Stan Pachla will officiate, along with Deacon Mike & Deacon Paul assisting.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. 

Please leave a memory or condolence at Kathy's online guestbook below.