Rosemary Helen Milanowski, age 93 of Grand Rapids, was taken by the hand of Jesus to greet her family in heaven on Friday, October 13, 2017 during the reading of Psalm 23. She passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by the love and care of her children and family after being diagnosed with a pancreatic tumor in May of this year. She was sharp and witty through it all. She was preceded in death by her husband The Honorable John Peter Milanowski; her two sons John “Jack” and Donald Milanowski; and son-in-law John R. Hildreth. She will be dearly missed by her children Julie Hunter, Janet Milanowski (Rich O’Connell), Mary Hildreth, Ann (Frank) Bongiorno, Robert (Sue) Milanowski, Therese Seefeldt, Andrew (Julie) Milanowski; daughters-in-law Maureen Milanowski, Linda Milanowski; 24 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and two more due in April and May of 2018. Over the past two months she was given the absolute best nursing care and able to stay in her own home due to her very own personal staff: Director of Nursing-Charge Nurse: Ann Bongiorno; nurse assistants: Janet Milanowski, Julie Hunter, Maureen Milanowski, Mary Hildreth, Robert and Sue Milanowski, Linda Milanowski, Andrew Milanowski, Therese Seefeldt, Molly Brown, Elise Hunter, Rich O’Connel; on call aides: Jenny Bongiorno, Nick Bongiorno, Elliott Jeltes, Gabe Milanowski, Kaylee Swanson, Nick and Stephanie Remelts, Max Milanowski; Prayer Warriors: Matt, Lauren, Allison, Jessica, Natalie and Ryan Milanowski, Lindsay and Matt Keegan, Mark Swanson, Jenny Jeltes, Austin Jeltes, John Whitney and Morgan Hildreth, Tyler Hildreth, Sam Bongiorno, Jordan Milanowski, Eric, Mary, Amelia, and Blakely Milanowski, Nathan and Ellie Milanowski, Jordan, Devon and Payton Seefeldt, Margo Milanowski, Andy, Lilly, and Haley Brown, and for all the friends and family who we know were keeping Rosie in their prayers; Spiritual support team: Fr. Paul Milanowski, Fr. Jim Chelich, Kathy Proulx – music ministry, Deacon Jim Thorndill and the community of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Rosie was a lifetime member of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish where she sang in the choir and co-sponsored 50 Plus Club for over 25 years. Her life gracefully demonstrated her love of God and her Roman Catholic faith. Rosemary grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan the youngest of three and loved her family. Her faith started early in life when she attended Little Flower Catholic grade school and high school. She graduated valedictorian and pursued her calling to be a nurse. She graduated as a RN from Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital in 1947. After moving to Washington, DC she met and fell in love with John. They were married in April of 1952 and 13 years later were blessed with nine children who they loved dearly. Their faith continued as they sent all nine children through 12 years of Catholic Education. Fun family memories were made and will be for generations to come at their cottage on Little Pine Island Lake. She loved her pontoon boat rides, Sunday dinner and knowing that everyone felt welcome by her open door and open heart. As we reflect on other memories of her life we think of; playing bridge, getting her hair done at Chic/Empire, telling a good joke, doing head stands at the cottage, shopping for a good deal, holding and playing with babies and giving to her favorite charities so generously. We were blessed to have the best mom in the world! Visitation will be Thursday 2-4:00 p.m. and 6-8:00 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids, with the Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 10:30 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, 1449 Wilcox Park Dr. S.E., Grand Rapids. Rev. James Chelich and Rev. Paul Milanowski concelebrating. Entombment Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Central High School or St. Thomas the Apostle School Tuition Assistance Program.
