Mary M. Brandenburg

Mary M. Brandenburg
Pinconning, Michigan
How do you begin to honor someone who meant the world to so many? Words often fall short when trying to capture the depth of love, compassion, and strength that Mary Donajkowski Brandenburg brought into the lives of everyone who knew her. We try because her life deserves to be remembered, cherished, and celebrated.
Mary was born on January 31, 1945, in Alpena, Michigan, the youngest of twelve children to Della and Stefan Donajkowski. Raised on a working family farm, deeply rooted in Polish heritage, Mary grew up surrounded by open fields, hard work, and a deep sense of faith and tradition.
Her early years were shaped by the strong bond she shared with her parents and siblings, all of whom preceded her in death. Though they were many, the Donajkowski children were inseparable and Mary always carried their love, laughter, and shared culture with her.
The farm was a place of endless chores and unforgettable memories. Mary often recalled milking cows, feeding chickens, and picking berries with Ma and making lunch for the boys and Pa. She cherished quiet afternoons fishing by the lake with her brothers and nights spent kneeling beside her bed saying prayers in Polish with Pa. Those simple, sacred rituals rooted her in faith and gave her a deep connection to her Polish ancestry.
In the kitchen, Mary learned from Ma the art of traditional Polish cooking-lessons that would shape her love language for the rest of her life. She helped prepare beloved family dishes like czernina, Head cheese, and Pickled pigs' feet. Whether helping roll dough or reluctantly on dish duty, she absorbed the rhythm of home-cooked meals, made with love and care. These recipes weren't just food, they were stories, heritage, and memory passed from one generation to the next.
In 1966, Mary met Stanley, the man who would become the love of her life. Their meeting was unexpected-at a flower shop where she was buying a corsage for her mother and he was buying flowers for another girl-but their connection was instant. Young, spirited, and ready for adventure, and engaged two weeks later. They married just months after that, and embarked on a lifelong journey of laughter, faith, and devotion. Together, they raised three children and created a home where culture, food, and family were the heart of everything.
Mary's working years included various roles, but the title she held most dear was that of wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest pride, and she poured herself into nurturing them with tireless love. Her home was a gathering place-a haven filled with warmth, Polish comfort food, and stories that turned into lifelong memories.
She loved traveling with her family-whether it was camping at Louie and Clara's, road-tripping across the country, or making magical memories at Disney World. These journeys were less about where they went and more about the time spent together, which Mary treasured most of all.
In her own kitchen, Mary became a master of comfort food. Her famous chicken soup with handmade noodles was legendary, her perfect kluski and sauerkraut and her canned pickles-always crisp-were devoured quickly. Family squabbles over who got the chicken feet were a common occurrence, always ending in laughter. Food, for Mary, was an act of love, and every meal carried the spirit of her heritage and the warmth of her heart.
Mary was also a woman of deep and enduring faith. Prayer was a constant in her life, and she lived with the quiet dignity and strength that came from trusting in God. One of the causes closest to her heart was St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which she supported faithfully.
Even in her final days, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, Mary remained the steady, loving force she had always been. She faced her illness with courage and peace, surrounded by her devoted family. She especially cherished the surprise wedding of her granddaughter, a joyful moment she spoke about often in her final weeks. True to form, she relished every story, every hug-and every lottery ticket she received.
Mary had many people in her life who held a special place in her heart. She formed a close bond with her niece Cathy and husband Gary, and their children-Jeff, Jen, and Justin. Together they shared countless family gatherings, vacations, and camping trips that filled her with joy.
Christmas was always epic at Mary's house. Christmas Eve brought everyone together for a night full of comfort food, loud laughter, and unexpected guests-whom she always welcomed with open arms. Her door was always open, and so was her heart.
Mary enjoyed her people- her life was about those who surrounded her. There was nothing better than sharing a story with her. Mary always cared what you had to say. She loved conversation and whether that took place over a meal, while getting her hair done or on an adventure, she was always there to listen, laugh and give input.
Mary is survived by her husband, Stanley Brandenburg, children, Karl (Sarah) Brandenburg, Kimberly (Robert) Gravlin, Karrie (Tony) LaPan, grandchildren, Nick Brandenburg, Heidi (Bobby) Mousseau,Destiny Brandenburg Renee Brandenburg, Allie (Adam Fillion) LaPan, Michael (Kayla) LaPan great-grandchildren, Olivia, Emily, Jaxon, Ellisyn, Rowan, Beckham, Leah, Hensley, Jaxson, Kingston, Gage, Ravenna- who will miss her dearly.
To those who knew her, Mary was more than family-she was home. And though she is gone from our sight, she will forever remain in our hearts. We will keep her alive by sharing her recipes, speaking her prayers, and holding close the memories that made her so unforgettable.
Graveside service to take place at St. Michael's Cemetery on May 28th at 1 p.m.