Mrs. Mary Rositch's Obituary
Mary Rositch, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 10, 2016. Mary was a long-time resident of Muskegon and a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church but was living in Jackson, Michigan, at the time of her passing. Mary was born on March 14, 1925, to Joseph and Mary (Binder) Werderits in Muskegon Heights, Michigan, and graduated from Muskegon Heights High School and Mercy Hospital School of Nursing. She met the love of her life, Robert R. Rositch, while both were employed at Hines Veterans Hospital near Chicago, and they married on May 24, 1947. They were married for 60 years when Robert passed away in 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her eldest son Robert Rositch, Jr., in 2010. She is survived by children John Rositch and Monica Collett; son-in-law Richard Collett; daughter-in-law Susan Rositch; brother-in-law Donald Rositch; grandchildren Aaron Rositch, Marla (Jeff) Nagel, Damian Rositch, Alan Rositch, Kayla Miranda; great grandchildren Olivia, Molly, Robert, Joseph, and Thomas Nagel, and Jaylen and Avianna Miranda; two nephews Donald and Andrew Rositch and niece Linda Banks; and several cousins in the U.S. and Austria.
Mary retired from Mercy Hospital in 1987 after a long, fulfilling career as a Registered Nurse. She served as a volunteer at the hospital after her retirement. Mary was a spectacular cook whose recipe collection included delectable Austrian dishes. She loved hosting family gatherings at her home and worked tirelessly to prepare abundant meals. Her family will always remember the dozens of delicious Christmas cookies and holiday crafts that she took time to prepare each year for family and neighbors. She also had a talent for sewing and knitting. Her lovely felt and beaded Christmas ornaments and beautiful tree skirts still adorn her family’s Christmas trees each year.
Mary’s family expresses special thanks to the staff at Golden Orchards Assisted Living Facility in Fennville, Mich., where Mary lived from 2011 to 2015, and to all at Garden Estates Care Home in Jackson, Mich., particularly Laury Grider, who took special care of Mary and enhanced her enjoyment of life over the past year. The family is also grateful to Mary’s special neighbors in Roosevelt Park--Mark and Patti Peterson, Chuck and Sharon Hall, and Ann Vukits--who provided assistance to Mary after her husband passed away.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Marian Chapel, in Muskegon, and interment will take place in St. Mary's Cemetery. Please share your memories of Mary with our family from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the church prior to the funeral service or via the Online Guestbook @ www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., 231-759-8565.
Mary always had compassion for those who were less fortunate. She would appreciate your honoring her memory with a donation to the Muskegon Rescue Mission.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?
