Marie Kraszewski

Marie M. Kraszewski

Saginaw, Michigan

Marie, the sunshine of her families' lives, left her earthly home of 92 years on August 5, 2025 to the embrace of Jesus and the Blessed Mother Mary. Her earthly journey began as the sixth of seven children and the third daughter of four to Joseph and Theresa Kushnierz (Kushner) on February 3, 1933.

Life wasn't always easy for a large family growing up during the Great Depression on Saginaw's east side, but Marie learned many life lessons helping her father tend to his large garden and learning to cook meals with her mother. She attended her neighborhood school, Holy Rosary and was a member of its first high school graduation class in June, 1951.

During those high school years she met and fell in love with a hunting/fishing companion of one of her brothers. They became sweethearts and were married in the old Holy Rosary church in late September, 1951. Together they began a journey of undying love and commitment and were blessed with three children. Tragedy tested that relationship early on with the death of one of those children in infancy. But their love for one another, their strong Catholic faith, and the support of family/friends enabled Marie and Floyd to overcome their loss and build an even stronger relationship that would last 67 years.

Faith, family and friends were the hallmarks of Marie's life. She was active in her faith, supported her children in school via the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) and served as a den mother for the school's Cub Scout Pack. She was known as a PB&J guru for the many school lunches she packed as well. In addition, Marie used her creative abilities to maintain a gardener's paradise around the homes she tendered. Marie's other interests included fishing on the AuSable River, traveling the country with Floyd to visit the many national parks, and following her beloved Detroit Tigers baseball team. She also loved macrame, polka dancing, and visiting many casinos including several trips to Las Vegas. Marie was an excellent cook and regularly served and passed along recipes for Polish dishes such as Pierogi, Golabki, Kielbasa, and Charnina. During the Christmas holidays she and Floyd spent countless hours baking cookies, Peanut Brittle, and rock candy.

Once her children were grown, Marie began working as a waitress for the local Polish Falcons Nest 124 club. She worked many Friday fish fries there and occasionally tendered the bar. On February 2, 1962 she was hired as an operator for the Michigan Bell Telephone company, working the the cord boards until her promotions to Essay, Group Chief Operator and finally, Chief Operator. Her responsibilities of managing over 100 people evolved into many lifelong friendships. When MBT was split from AT&T, Marie chose to work for AT&T and became the primary trainer of the company's conversion to the new TSPS switching equipment. That function moved her to the Detroit headquarters, taking her and Floyd to a new residence in Canton, Michigan until she retired on August 1, 1988 with 26 1/2 years Service. She and Floyd then retired to Tawas, Michigan.

Marie is survived by her son, Mark Kraszewski and his wife Kimberle of Branch, MI. She also leaves four grandchildren; Danielle Davenport (Mike Nelson) of Saginaw, Brandon and Christopher (Heather) Kraszewski of Cadillac, and Raymond (Jessica) Brady of Saginaw, twelve Great-grandchildren; Madi Medina, Evan Brady, Allison Brady, Raymond Brady, Cloey Kraszewski, Stella Kraszewski, Brett Kraszewski, Jordan Kraszewski, Mikayla Kraszewski, Brooklyn Kraszewski, Lilyanna Kraszewski, Danford (DJ) Brady and two Great-Great grandchildren; one brother, Tony Kushner of Charlevoix; two sisters-in-law, Jean Furlo of Saginaw and Pat Linton of Saginaw; many nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents Joseph Kushnierz (Kushner), Theresa Kruk (Krukowski); her husband, Floyd Kraszewski; a son, Richard (Ricky) Kraszewski; a daughter, Catherine (Cathy) Blake; brothers Joseph Kushner, Edward Kushner; sisters., Evelyn Jaskolski, Eleanore Haley, Irene Beckman; brothers-in-law, Leonard Jaskolski, Arthur (Art) Haley, Giles Beckman, Dennis (Dan) Malecke, Chester Kraszewski, Robert Furlo, Robert Linton; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Kushner, Katherine Kushner, Pat Kushner, Norrie Malecke, Delores Kraszewski; and several nieces and nephews.

Honoring Marie's wishes cremation has taken place. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw, Michigan, 48607. Fr. Adam Maher will officiate. Friends may wish to visit the church where family will be present on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. Interment will follow Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Saginaw. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, www.stjude.org.