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1921 - 2009
 Mary Jacobey Gurecki, age 87, of Lansing, Sheridan and Grand Rapids, died peacefully Friday with her daughter by her side. Mary was born December 25, 1921 near Williamston MI, the daughter of William Jacobey and Julia Keil. She married Virgil Pete Gurecki on April 24, 1948 at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Lansing.
A woman of strong faith, Mary lived a life of giving and sharing. Following her retirement as a bookkeeper for the State of Michigan, her life-long heart for Christian service continued. An active member of St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church in Stanton, she organized a local food pantry, helped establish the Stanton Community Closet, was an area representative for the Salvation Army, and a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary. The Christmas Angel was dedicated to providing help, direction and care; not only through extensive Christmas programs, but through countless charitable endeavors. Her cheer, optimism, humor, love, care, hospitality and selfless giving brightened many lives.
She is survived by her children Michael and Kathy Gurecki of Williamston, Stephen Gurecki of Wisconsin, Timothy and Cathy Gurecki of Sheridan, and Anne Gurecki of Grand Rapids; her grandchildren Jennifer Gurecki, Kim and Rob Sprague, Elle Gurecki, Emileen and Matthew Haskins, Devan Gurecki and Ethan Gurecki; great grandchildren Kelly, Tiler, Noah, Kyle, Payton and Grant; sisters-in-law Vicki Sturm of Greenville, Bernice and Richard Sebring of Muskegon, Mary Gurecki of Muskegon, Dorothy Gurecki of Stanton; adopted children Ron Hunt, Geri Wilson and Carol Gurecki; and many loving nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Pete Gurecki; sisters Hilda (Fred) Coe, Agnes (Bart) Ziegler, Helen Mattila Sanford; brother James Jacobey; brothers-in-law Francis (Juanita) Gurecki of South Carolina, John Gurecki of Stanton, Leo Gurecki of Stanton, Duward (Si) Sturm of Stanton, Stanley Gurecki of Carson City; sister-in-law, Ginger (Dale) Lott of Lansing.
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 11:00 am at St. Bernadette of Lourdes Catholic Church in Stanton. Visitation will be at St. Anns Home Chapel (2161 Leonard St NW in Grand Rapids) on Monday from 6-8:00 pm, with Rosary at 6:30 pm; and St. Bernadettes at 10:00 am on Tuesday, prior to the mass. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Lansing.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests honoring Mary via memorials to St. Anns Home or St. Bernadettes Christian Service.
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There are currently 8 condolences.
Jennifer (Mattila) Anderson
Wednesday March 4, 2009 at
12:27 PM
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My condolences to all of you. Aunt Mary was a very nice person who will be missed by all. It was very special that many of us were able to get together as a family on Marisa's birthday a few years ago with Aunt Mary. I will treasure the "Christmas Angel" she gave me that day as a reminder of her always.
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Gaylia Ross
Monday March 2, 2009 at
10:18 PM
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I have thanked God many times for giving my girls Mary. She really had a huge significance in their spiritual life. My girls and I were always going to visit her at St. Anne's and never made it. She is a beautiful lady! Those pearly gates are wide open and Pete is standing there waiting for her. May the celebration be grand, she is a queen!!!!
I will always have kind and wonderful memories of your great Mom and Grandma.
God Bless all of you,
Randy and Gaylia Ross and Charlie
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Kathy (Miller) Prugsawan and Girls
Monday March 2, 2009 at
9:30 PM
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I'll always remember Aunt Mary's humor and her strong belief in keeping the faith. She was always able to keep me laughing about something no matter what growing up. She listened to me when I was young spending time with her at her house and the lake. I remember going to the Polish Hall, family get togethers, fish frys, her 50th wedding anniversary party. I am happy that she was able to meet and get to know my daughters, Marisa and Jindtana too. How joyous she is now in heaven with Uncle Pete, at rest forever, together with God, our Father, Holy Spirt and son, Jesus Christ. Amen. You're all in our prayers. God Bless.
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Judy Bowen
Monday March 2, 2009 at
8:04 PM
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Anne, We are so sorry for your lost I know your Mom was also your best friend which makes your loss even greater. Your faith will sustain I know, just know that we care about you and what you are going through it's not easy and it hurts alot.
Our love and prayers are with Anne.
Judy & David Bowen
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Bill and Jean Cullimore
Monday March 2, 2009 at
5:22 PM
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We were lucky to know Pete and Mary and counted them as good friends and neighbors. We send our special condolances to Tim and Cathy and Anne and know you have lost a very special lady but she is meeting up with a very special man now and that is a very good thing. You are all in our prayers.
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Barb Goodman
Monday March 2, 2009 at
11:12 AM
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Dear Gurecki family:
The Carl Goodman family extends our deepest sympathies to you all. We owned the cottage on Holland Lake (back in the 1970's) to the left of yours. My Dad always enjoyed talking with your parents up there. I stopped by Holland Lake years ago and visited with your mom. I will always remember what she told me: "you are your father's daughter." Both of my parents have passed away now too. My brothers and I will always remember the great neighbors that we had up at Holland Lake. Barb, Larry and Doug Goodman and families
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Nancy Stockenauer
Monday March 2, 2009 at
9:49 AM
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I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mary. She was such a wonderful woman and a great role model in Steve's and my young marriage. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. My prayers and thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.
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Pat Chicklon
Monday March 2, 2009 at
9:34 AM
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Dear Annne,
My deepest sympathies for you on the death of your Mom. Her picture makes me think that she was a happy and caring lady.
With love and prayers, Pat.
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