Rose Anne (Wolney) Tomaski, age 89, died on Friday, December 7, 2018 at The Brook of Gaylord. Rose was born on September 30, 1929 at the Borowiak family farm on Kassuba Road.
Rose lived her entire life in Gaylord. She attended the Big Lake School. Rose’s mom Suzann Wolney died when Rose was a baby, so her grandmother Victoria Nowaczyk raised her. When Victoria became ill, Rose left school in the seventh grade to care for her.
Rose worked at the Sugar Bowl Restaurant where she met head chef Harry Tomaski. They were married by Monsignor Kaminski on February 23, 1955, and remained married for 56 years until Harry’s death on June 5, 2010. The Knights of Columbus Council #2781 named them “Family of the Year” in 1989.
The couple had six children, but sweet Rose was like a mother to everyone. Her goal in life was to feed family, friends, and anyone who walked in the door. She made huge meals appear – almost like magic. Rose and her friend Irene Kujawa catered weddings and funerals for decades. Rose worked innumerable St. Mary Friday Fish Fries. She was a member of the St. Mary Cathedral Parish, St. Mary’s Altar Rosary Society, and the Otsego Memorial Hospital Auxiliary.
Rose could sew, knit and garden, but Rosie’s life was defined by her kindness and unconditional love of her family. Rose never judged or held grudges. She was just plain sweet. Harry and Rose were also blessed with devoted friends with whom they shared Sunday drives, birthday celebrations and card games. Since Harry died, Rose has gone on adventures far and outings near with her children and grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Harry Tomaski; parents Frank Z. and Suzann (Borowiak) Wolney; and siblings Mack, Floyd and Leona Lenartowicz.
Rose is survived by her children, Victoria (Mark Cyburt) Borowiak, Joseph Tomaski, Thomas (Mary) Tomaski, Barbara (Guy) Lovelace, and Lori Salo, all of Gaylord and David (Rebecca) Tomaski of Cheboygan; her grandchildren, Steven Borowiak, Katie (Andrew Kaminski) Borowiak, Theresa (Andrew) Nowak, Jonathan Tomaski, Jacob Tomaski, William Tomaski, Anthony Tomaski, Megan (Grant Jones) Tomaski, Adam (Kellie Downing) Tomaski, Zachary (Anna) Lovelace, Heather (Dane) Henry, A.J. (Kassie Colton) Salo, Samantha (Ryan Allen) Salo, and Matthew (Corrina Gourde) Salo; her great grandchildren Ryland Borowiak, Calvin Burns, Theodore and Graham Lovelace, Camden and Piper Henry, Levi Nowak, Drew, Max and Frankie Kaminski, Grayden and Avery Jones, Rian Esper, Knox Wilson, Tayten Colton, Bryceson, Maverick and Kiaira Salo, Kain Allen and Aurora Salo; her son-in-law Gerald Borowiak; cousin Judy (Darrell) Burkhardt and John E. Burkhardt.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 11, 4-8 p.m. at the Nelson Funeral Home. The Altar Rosary Society will recite the rosary at 6 p.m. Visitation begins at 10 a.m. Wednesday,
December 12 at St. Mary Cathedral followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial will take place in the spring at the Resurrection Cemetery in Vanderbilt.
Memorials to the St. Mary’s Altar Rosary Society or the Otsego Memorial Hospital Auxiliary may be made through the Nelson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
29 comments on “Rose Ann Tomaski”
Rose was a beautiful woman, may she rest in peace
We are so very sorry for your loss. Rosie was such a kind and special person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Vicki I’m So sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
To all the Tomaski Family, I am so sorry. Rosie was a wonderful lady and I have fond memories of her when we were all growing up. My heart and prayers go out to all of you. ❤️🙏🏻
My deepest condolences to the whole Tomaski family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe & Rosalie
To the Tomaski family. We have lost our fun filled lady. How will I be able to brush up on my Polish? Rose, may you now rest in the arms of our Creator.
Thoughts, prayers and hugs to all the family!! Rest In Peace auntie Rosie ❤️
So sorry for your loss. Sending you prayers for you and your family. Our thoughts will be with you thru this difficult time
Another great lady gone but certainly won’t be forgotten. I have some great memories of time spent with your family as a child. Your mom was a very special lady and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time.
Loretta and John Swantek
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Sending prayers
Peace and light Rose. So many good memories being part of the family growing up. Remembering your smile and contagious laugh. You were a beautiful person inside and out. Thoughts and prayers for all of you in this difficult time.
Joe & Rosalie
To the Tomaski Family: We are saddened to hear that our fun filled lady has passed. How will I be able to brush up on my Polish?
Dear Rose, may you now rest in the arms of our Creator.
Rose was a very caring person. I will remember her always . I loved talking with her. Always told her one day we’ll meet in Heaven & be the same age. Gone but never forgotten.
I am sorry for your loss. I miss the visits with Rose and the coffee breaks we had since she lived at the Brook, I will surly miss those visits, may the Lord walk with her now in heaven.
I will always remember Rose as one of the sweetest ladies that I have met since moving here. She was always full of stories and we would talk and laugh a lot. Your mom will be missed by many but she is now happy with “her man” , her beloved Harry once again where she wanted to be. Our prayers are with all of you , her family.
Ill mis talking/learning polish w her. She was a true treasure lost.
To the family of Rose Tomaski.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all, during this very difficult time.
Your mother was a very kind person.
My deepest condolences to the Tomaski family. Each and every one of you are in my thoughts and prayers
Sorry for your loss.
I remember sleep overs at your house, Vicki. Your parents are now together, with mine,and all the other Borowiaks,and Koronka’s.
Our deepest condolences to the family. Rose was a beautiful woman and our sincere pleasure to have known. Thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Aunt Rose was always available for whatever you needed. May God be with all of you. You will be in my prayers tomorrow. So sorry I won’t be able to make the trip to see you. Love to all my cousins.
Gary and I send our condolences to the Tomaski family. We have very fond, happy memories of Mrs. Tomaski. I don’t think we ever saw her without a smile on her face! Prayers to lift all family and friends to help get through this tough time.
Our condolences to the Tomaski family..Will miss our visits at the Brook..May she rest in peace..
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your mother, grandmother and cousin.
Our sympathy and prayers to the Tomaski family. The Gaylord area and St. Mary’s communities were made and continue today because of those she influenced. They are much richer due to her daily examples of the meaning of life.
Aunt Rose was one of a kind. She was so generous with her time and affection. My prayers go to the family especially during this time of mourning.
What a wonderful mother and giving woman Rose was. God has another angel in heaven. May her memories forever warm your hearts! God Bless!!!
Rose was a beautiful soul. Prayers for the family.
Rose was like a great grandmother to me. I remember going to she here with my nana, Olivia Line. We used to spend at least an hour or two whenever we saw her. I remember giving her dog food and treats. She was so considered me as a great grandchild and I considered her as a great grandmother too. I will ALWAYS remember her. She will also be in my prayers for as long as I live.♥️♥️💕💖💗💓💞💝💜❤️🧡💛💚💙. From 11 year old Katie Dupuie.