Frances Victoria (Jaruzel) Strzynski of Gaylord, MI, passed away at McReynolds Hall, Monday, June 7, 2021, at the age of 102.
Frances was born March 19, 1919, on the family farm in Chester Township, Otsego County, MI. She was number six of eleven children born to Ignatius “Ike” and Stella Jaruzel. Frances attended Big Lake School until the 8th grade. Her first job was working at the Gocha Motel with Sadie Borowiak.
One day as Frances was walking into town, she met Edward Strzynski. He worked at the potato warehouse. They married on November 11, 1939. Soon after they were married, they moved to Saginaw where Frances helped with the war effort by working at the Saginaw Malleable Iron Plant. She worked there for 25 years from 1943-1968. After retirement, they moved back to Gaylord. Ed and Frances celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1989.
Frances was an active member of the Altar Rosary Society of St. Mary Cathedral. She would pray the Rosary before Mass and at many funerals. She would also lead the Rosary at funeral visitations. She served as the president of the Altar Rosary Society for many years. Frances was also known for her famous lemon meringue pies and helping with church functions such as chicken dinner fundraisers and coffee and doughnut Sundays. At home, she enjoyed her “Chico” dogs, tending her gardens and canning. She could also be seen tending the gardens for the Blessed Mother at school and at church.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Strzynski; parents, Ignatius and Stella Jaruzel; siblings, Louis, Josephine, Julia, Mack, Cecelia, Walter, Theresa, and Agnes.
She is survived by her sisters, Mary Kujawa and Anna Jaruzel; and brother-in-law, Anthony Dreffs.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021, at St. Mary Cathedral, 606 N. Ohio Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 9, 2021, from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 135 N. Center Ave., Gaylord, MI 49735 with a Rosary being offered at 4:00 p.m. by St. Mary Altar Rosary Society.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the preservation of the Mount Carmel Centre, PO Box 325, Gaylord, MI 49734, or through Nelson Funeral Home, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
8 comments on “Frances V. Strzynski”
Rest in peace Aunt Francis, God received another angel!!!
Dear Anna, Deepest condolences from Mary Jo and me to you and your family. When I joined the church in 1980, your father became a role model for me. As I began attending daily mass, Francis was a daily inspiration. Her devotion and simplicity were hallmarks to me. I know we all understand Francis’ passing as a blessed event, and I believe a moment of glory for our Heavenly Father. God Bless the family, Jim and Mary Jo Allen
A true example of love, kindness, and self-sacrifice. Heaven brought home a beloved angel. My oldest living relative- 102! WOW! I always admired her giving spirit and unconditional love of the Lord. She was a shining example of a devoted Christian and I was always proud to call her my God Mother. As I put my son Case to bed on Monday I noticed a little stuffed dog and had a sense of peace. Chico, a tiny stuffed Chihuahua, that once belonged to Aunt Francis. It has been passed along in my family and now sleeps with Case. Warms my heart and reminds me that you are always watching over me. I cannot express enough, how grateful I am to have had you in my life.
Aunt Frances’s life was God, to pray, to serve, to do, and that she did! I wish I had a dollar for every rosary she led at funerals, every pie she baked for church sales, every hour of church necessaries she did, every person she befriended, and everyone she helped, either physically handicapped or financially needed. To her, “too much” was never enough. Wouldn’t this world be more wonderful if we had this attitude? I am sure, Aunt Frances has made it into God’s trophy case. Well done! Larry and Marian.
The example of what Christ-like living looks like was set for all to see in her life!
May she Rest In Peace.
The first time I meet Frances was at a Good Friday service, she had made the comment to me, that not many young people start at the prayer vigil and stay all the way tell the end of the mass . I never have forgotten those words. She was a very kind lady and will be missed by many. Prayers to the family during this difficult time
Aunt Frances was a very special person. She was either praying, baking, or giving of herself. She was noted for her pies, especially her lemon meringue pie. She was a fun person to be around. She will be missed by many. RIP Aunt Frances
Carol Ferguson, daughter of Mary (Jaruzel)Kujawa
When my Mom was in McReynolds Hall, I would sometimes have dinner with her there. Francis would always say grace for the entire dining room. She was an example to all of us. I’m so happy for you dear Francis, you are home!