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Frances M. Olech

1939 - 2025

BORN

1939

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The VanZantwick Chapel

620 Washington Ave

Grand Haven, Michigan

Frances Olech Obituary

Name: Visitation for Frances M. Olech
Start: 2025-01-14T19:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-01-14T21:00:00.000Z
Location: Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services - The VanZantwick Chapel

Mrs. Frances M. Olech, age 85, of Grand Haven passed away Friday, January 10, 2025, at Trinity Hospital. She was born October 9, 1939, in Grand Haven to Frank and Dorothy (Behm) Karwoski. On June 3, 1967, she married Tadeusz "Ted" Olech, and he preceded her in death on October 9, 1999.

Frances was a member at St. Patrick–St. Anthony Catholic Church and the National Council of Catholic Women. She was the past president of the Grand Rapids DCCW. Over the years Frances worked for GHAPS Transportation, Meijer, Robbinswood Assisted Living Center and was a DRE for St. Anthony Parish. Gardening, puzzles, books and occasionally played the organ for St. Anthony Parish and St. Patrick School.

Frances is survived by five children: Ted (Rev. Thomas) Olech-Shively, Mary Ellen Olech, Anna (Dan) Leak, Virginia (Billy) Kennedy, Melanie Olech; six grandchildren: Austyn (Candace) Leak, Jordan (Jennifer) Leak, Danna Leak, Teresa Leak, Joy, and Ruby Kennedy; eight great-grandchildren: Xavier, Vinny, Levi, Wyatt, Lucas, Evelyn, Ace, Wesson; seven siblings: Kathrine (Jim) Vogler, Teresa (Chet) Krawczyk, Margaret Boyer, Anita (Greg) Parrish, Larry Karwoski, Dorothy (Glen) Groeneveld and Luci Korpi. She was preceded in death by two daughters, Tania and Natalie; sisters, Rosemary Fritz and Mary Brown.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick–St. Anthony Parish. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417, with a Rosary starting at 2 p.m. Interment will take place in Historic Cemetery. Memorial contributions in memory of Frances may be given to the Muskegon Catholic Central or Aquinas College. Please sign the family's online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Haven Tribune on Jan. 10, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Frances Olech

8 Entries

Donna Szczepanski

January 13, 2025

Sympathy, God's Everlasting Love and Grace to all of Fran's family and friends. I was blessed to know Fran from a bible study hosted at St. Anthony's. Fran's knowledge of the Bible brought a depth of understanding to our lessons that I appreciated. Fran touched my life with the Light of Jesus, and I thank God I crossed paths with her on my journey of faith!

Christine Ritter (Szymas)

January 12, 2025

Fran was one of the most intelligent, genuine, kind-hearted persons I´ve ever met. She was my (and Teddy´s) Catechism teacher back in the day. It wasn´t until I worked with her at Springtime Flowers that I really got to know her. I enjoyed hearing her stories and opinions on many topics. Frans´s sister Maggie and daughter Virginia also worked at the nursery and I will never forget working with them on the line sharing and laughing together. Fran was an amazing lady that I´ll never forget!

Margaret (Szymas) Zysk

January 12, 2025

May God shine light on Fran. Fran was such a bright knowledge able person. My mother, Josephine, could not say enough good about Fran. My condolences to the family.

Mary Jane Mass

January 12, 2025

I have such fond memories of Fran-especially when I was a member of St. Anthony´s Church. My first time attending Mass at St. Anthony´s by myself as a complete stranger, Fran was the one who kindly walked up to me, welcomed me, and introduced herself! She encouraged and helped me to get involved. That was Fran!! Every parish needs a Fran!!
I send my prayers and sympathy to Fran´s family.
Mary Jane Mass

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Lake Avenue neighbors.

January 12, 2025

Sending condolences to the family of Frances. God comfort them in their time of need.

Vickie Smith Tober

January 11, 2025

Our deepest sympathies to the Karwoski family. Fran was a lovely person, so friendly, caring and very talented. I have fond memories of overnight visits with Teresa many years ago. I am sure someone had to give up a bed for me. But being with your large family was always special to me. Fran was always there and over the years our paths crossed many times in things we did at St. Pat's. Rest in peace Fran, and may God bless you all. Please be assured of our prayers for your family in the coming weeks and months.

Dieter and Vickie Tober

Mary (Vermurlen) Marod

January 11, 2025

Sincere condolences to the family of Fran, we grew up together on Fulton Street and attended St. Patrick's School together for 9 yrs. (K thru 8). Took turns learning to play the organ and sang together in the choir. Fond memories of our young years growing up together.

Mary (Vermurlen) Marod
1510 Meadow Lane
Grand Haven MI

Michael Tague

January 11, 2025

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Prayers for the Karwoski family.

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