Grace A. Kolasa

Grace Ann Kolasa was a woman devoted to her family and to God. She worked hard taking care of her husband, children, and grandchildren in a loving and patient manner. Born March 15, 1936 in Malden, Massachusetts to Frank and Clara (Chadwick) Clark, Grace (known as Ann) was one of two children. Tragically, Frank died of T.B. before Grace was born, leaving behind a grieving widow and two children, Frank and Grace. Clara remarried a man named Roger Lewis, who had been the best man at her first wedding. Clara and Roger were blessed with three children, Bill, Jean and Robert, bringing the family to completion with a total of five children. Grace grew up in the 1940s, part of what has been called The Greatest Generation. They came of age at a time when the Great Depression was winding down, and WWII was just ahead. Both of these events molded these young people into the hard working and patriotic group they are known to be. Grace grew up in these years playing with her friends and attending Litchfield Academy in Litchfield, Maine. Music and basketball were two areas that Grace excelled in. She loved singing in the church choir and tap dancing. While playing basketball, Grace set a school record for most points scored during a game! After graduating in 1954, she met a young man named Donald Kolasa at a dance. Something special came of that first meeting and they continued to see each other for a year and a half. They said their vows while Don was still serving in the Navy, becoming husband and wife on September 17, 1955 in Maine. Moving to Muskegon Heights, Michigan six months later, Dons parents allowed them to live in an apartment above their house. Here, Grace and Don met Chuck and Bev Devenport, who became lifelong friends. At this time they also started their family with the birth of their daughter Cindy in 1957. Wanting to study printing, Don moved the family to Ferris State University. It was there that their son Steve made his appearance in 1959, completing the family of four. Moving again, this time to Lincoln Park near Detroit, they put down roots and stayed for thirty-one years. While the children were growing up, the family became the proud owners of their first home at 4108 LaFayette. Grace kept very busy. Working first as a typesetter at a newspaper office, then a secretary in a dental office, she retired as a principal secretary at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Southgate, Michigan. Grace also found the time to remain active in her childrens lives. Her days were filled as a Den Leader for Steves Cub Scout pack, sewing doll clothes and baton outfits for Cindy, on top of teaching Catechism at Good Shepherd Catholic Church. Knitting was a favorite past time, she knitted many sweaters and afghans for her family. Baking and cooking were other talents Grace enjoyed sharing with her family. Apple pie, cherry nut pound cake and anise cookies were all mouth-watering family favorites. The family also enjoyed trips to Maine to visit family and camp together. In later years, Grace reveled in the role of Grammie, with the birth of Rob in 1981 and Randy in 1983. The Whinnie the Pooh doll that Grace gave Rob is still owned by him today. After Grace and Donald both retired in May of 1990, they moved to Grand Haven and had a house built especially for them. Grace and Don had a chance to have some well earned leisure time. Buying a large RV, they camped, went to NASCAR races, golfed and spent several weeks each winter in Florida and Texas. Grace took up golfing where she met Mickey Umstead who became a good friend and golfing partner for 15 years. Grace even distinguished herself by hitting a hole in one at West Wind Golf Course! Unfortunately, Grace became ill while in South Carolina. After returning home, she passed away from cancer a short time later. Grace Kolasas qualities of patience, hard work and gentleness were evident throughout her life, not only in the care of her family, but her volunteer work in her church and community. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. SURVIVORS: Husband, Donald Kolasa; son, Steve (Staci) Kolasa of Warren, MI; daughter, Cindy Diemand of Ohio; 2 grandsons, Robert (Sarah) Diemand of Ohio, Randy Diemand of Ohio; brother, Robert (Betty) Lewis of Maine; sister, Jean (Andrew) Bowman of Maine; several nieces & nephews; mother-in-law, Amelia Kolasa of Grand Haven. Mrs. Kolasa was preceded in death by her father, Frank Clark; mother, Clara Fickett; step-father, John Fickett; brothers, Bill & Frank. SERVICE: Friday, May 2, 2008, 11:00 AM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church of Grand Haven with Fr. William Langlois officiating. Interment at Lakeshore Cemetery. VISITATION: Thursday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. MEMORIAL: St. Patrick's Church