Frances M. Olech's Obituary
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, Robinswood 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 11:00 AM Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at St. Patrick Church of St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish. Visitation will be held 2-4 and 6-8 PM 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 2:00 PM. 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 http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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