Ann Witkowski

Ann Terese "Terry" Witkowski was a generous and fun-loving woman, with an unforgettable sense of humor that endeared all that knew her. From her childhood into old age, Terry was always eager to share her dry wit - or cold chocolate malts with those around her. She was vibrant and caring, and remained deeply committed to her family and her husband throughout her life.

The 1920's were a decade of plenty in the United States. The younger generations began to see the world in a new light, and fancy cars and flapper parties dominated the upbeat lifestyle of the American jet-set. Terry was born to a family of postal workers and teachers in Muskegon, the 3rd of six children. As a child, she enjoyed playing soccer and sang in the school choir. Despite being expelled from high school, for attending a showing of "Gone With the Wind" with her future husband, she graduated in 1941.

Four years later, in 1945, she married Theodore, a World War II veteran whom she had known since high school. Terry often reflected that her wedding day was the best day of her life. After having wed, the new couple moved around frequently over the next few years. They moved from Lansing to North Muskegon, from Grand Rapids finally to Edmore. The Edmore estate was a large house set on 2 acres of land complete with a barn, chicken coop and gardens. Terry loved picking asparagus on summer mornings. One day, Terry got the shock of her life - literally - when lightning struck the stove she was cooking on. Ordeals like that require a good sense of humor. Also, while at Edmore, Terry became the president of the local Women's club. During this period she also found time to raise 7 kids! While not working or studying, she brought her children up to be respectful and to have a sense of humility, though they were praised and complemented just as often. Terry kept the children disciplined well; if you got in trouble at school, you got in trouble at home. Mom and Dad had the "Good Cop, Bad Cop" routine down pat. Curfews were enforced, though it seemed that the youngest of the kids kept getting off the hook easier and easier!

The couple eventually moved to Battle Creek in 1970. Around this time, Terry finished her Elementary Education teaching degree from Western Michigan University. Unfortunately, after substitute teaching for a while, she decided that this was not her true calling and after moving to Holland around 1975, worked at Robert Shaw Controls for the next 10 years. Later in life, as with her own children, she enjoyed watching her grandchildren play sports: hockey, basketball and football. She never missed a game. After Robert Shaw Controls, Terry worked at Dutch Village. She enjoyed the social atmosphere there so much that she worked at that location until she was 77.

Terry was a proud member of the 50 Plus Club of Our Lady of the Lake. She loved to play bridge and had an enormous sweet tooth. She loved deserts so much and believed that life was short, so “eat desert first!” She loved to watch the ships sail in and out of the red sunsets on warm Lake Michigan nights. She loved to sing around the house; favorite tunes like "How Much is that Doggy in the Window?", "Hello, Young Lover", and "Happy Birthday" to herself.

She was a very giving woman who wanted her grandchildren to have everything. One of the most important things she shared with her loved ones was her great sense of humor. Terry was full of dry wit and relished a good practical joke - especially on her children. Her joking manner and loving nature will be missed.

Terry Witkowski was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore in 1995, and daughter, Ann Deja in 1996. She is survived by her children; Christopher Witkowski of Lusby, Maryland, Ruth Ellen (Thomas) Wyant, of Coopersville, Elissa (Sheldon) Simon of Marlborough, Connecticut, Mark Witkowski of Battle Creek, John (Kris) Witkowski of Holland, Theodore E. Witkowski of Holland, Son-in-law Thomas Deja of Grand Rapids. 15 Grandchildren; Chad (Jennifer) and Jeremy Witkowski; Tom, Sean (Jennifer), & Rachell Deja; Tom (Janice) and Amy Wyant; Ryan, Brett (Angela), & Hannah Simon; Quentin, Kendra & Justin Witkowski; and Nick and Luke Witkowski. 10 Great Grandchildren; Kellianne Witkowski; Zachary, Manaseh, Sierra, & Nevin Wyant; Wisdom, Alex, & Nathan Wyant; and Kelsey Anne Simon & Isabella Rose Simon. Brother and Sisters; Gloria (Bob) Thompson of North Muskegon, Lowell Moore of Ludington, Gwen Roberts of Ortonville. In-Laws; Marion (Melvin) Reich, Evelyn Horvath, Jackie Witkowski. Nieces, Nephews and cousins…

Friends may call Sunday from 7-9 p.m. at Northwood Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, 295 Douglas Ave., Holland. Visitation will also be on Monday, one hour prior to the service at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Holland. Please visit Ann’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a memory, send flowers or make a memorial contribution to the American Cancer Society.

Her vibrant and giving spirit, along with her fun loving zest for life will be missed by all.