Mary Bogdajewicz

Mary Bogdajewicz was a wonderful woman, who weathered every storm life threw her way. She always knew sunny skies were ahead, that good things come to those who wait. So many good things came Marys way in life, none more than the family she loved most of all. Today Marys life, and love, lives on in the children and grandchildren she held so dear. Marys story began on a cold winter day in 1921, in the little town of Jericho, Indiana, not far from Louisville. Those were times of change in this country, as newly-elected President Warren Harding promised the American people a return to normalcy, after the turmoil of World War I and the start of the Prohibition era. On January 23, 1921, the Critchfield family celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Mary Alice. Mary was one of 10 kids in the large family, joining her siblings Bob, Gib, John, Betty, Pansy, Eva, Edna, Janet, and Blanche. Her father was a union organizer, while her mother had her hands full keeping the kids in line. Tragedy struck the family when Mary was just 11 years old, when her father was murdered. Mary was especially traumatized, as she was the one to discover his body. Those were the dark days of the Great Depression, and Mary and her siblings had to quit school to help make ends meet. It wouldnt be the last time Mary had to overcome adversity in her life. Eventually, she grew into a beautiful young woman, and met a young Army soldier named Max Cooper. The young couple married, and had a son named Jack in 1942. Max was stationed at various bases stateside, and Mary and her infant son followed him from base to base. Marys marriage to Max wasnt a happy one, as her husband became unfaithful. Ever the strong woman she was, she decided to divorce Max after five years, becoming a single mother in the process. It wasnt easy being a single mom, and being divorced was a difficult badge to wear in those days, as well. Mary moved to Chicago with her sister Edna for a time, looking for work, while her young son went to live with his grandma Rachel. She found much more than a paycheck in Chicago, however. One night Mary went to a wedding in the Windy City, where she met a handsome young man named Walter Bogdajewicz. It was truly love at first sight for the both of them, and they quickly began dating. Walters family came between them at first, as they didnt approve of their son dating a divorced single mother. Eventually, they relented, realizing how special Mary was, and how much Walter loved her. Mary and Walter were soon married at a courthouse in Chicago, and began many wonderful years together. They settled in Chicago, and Walter found work in a factory to support his new bride and soon-to-be-growing family. The couple celebrated the births of their daughter Veronica in 1955, with their daughter Alicia rounding out the happy family in 1956. And they were indeed a very happy family, one well worth the wait for Mary. She and her beloved Walter were a special pair, and their affection for each other knew no bounds (often to their kids chagrin!). Eventually, Walters company was bought out, and he was transferred to the Bastion Blessing Company in the beautiful shoreline city of Grand Haven, Michigan. The family settled in the quiet confines of nearby Spring Lake, and quickly began to love their new home. The family eventually settled into a lovely home at 210 Mason Street in Spring Lake, which they enjoyed beautifying every chance they had. They were always making improvements and giving their home some tender loving care. Mary also loved gardening, and her home was always surrounded by beautiful flowerbeds. Mary was also a very social, funny and fun-loving woman, who made many friends at the local VFW Auxiliary in Spring Lake. Walter enjoyed his adopted home, too, perfect for his passion for hunting and especially fishing. Walter loved fishing, and Mary dutifully cleaned and cooked whatever the catch of the day was on the menu. Mary was a wonderful wife and mother, and an excellent cook, too. She was famous for her fried chicken, which she was always begged to make for Walters company picnics. She naturally obliged, always willing to help out. Mary always did whatever needed doing, and when Walter went on strike in the late 1960s, she took a job at Medallion in Spring Lake to make ends meet. She enjoyed working there, and ended up staying there for a decade. In 1978, tragedy struck Marys life once again, when her beloved Walter died suddenly of a heart attack. She was deeply saddened, and missed him terribly. She retired from Medallion, and moved out to New Mexico, where some of her grandchildren were living at the time. After some time out West, Mary began to miss Michigan, so she returned to the Spring Lake area, living with her daughter Alicia for a time. Eventually, she moved into Evergreen Living Center in Spring Lake. In the late 1990s, Mary began having some health issues, and moved in with her son Jack and her daughter-in-law Pam, who lovingly cared for her, and where she remained the rest of her days. Her health slowly declined, and Mary sadly died on Wednesday, May 14, 2008, at the age of 86. Mary was a wonderful woman, who lived a wonderful life, a life full of family and fond memories. She faced many challenges in her life, yet also many triumphs. Mary always knew no matter how dark the skies grew above, brighter days were ahead. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and a bright light in the life of all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Mary is survived by her son, Jack (Pam) Cooper of Spring Lake; 2 daughters, Alicia Bogdjewiecz Nelson of Muskegon, Veronica Moore of New Mexico; 6 grandchildren, Mary Jean Nelson, Rachael Cooper, Paula Meyer, Michelle Nutter, Tera Ferrel, RJ Cadrian; 8 great-grandchildren, Eryn Meyer, Wesley meyer, Cayleb Nutter, Keagan Welty, Jessica Ferrel, Megan Ferrel, TJ Ferrel, Brooklyn Cadrian. Services are scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel Grand Haven with Deacon Richard Fett officiating. Interment in Spring Lake Township Cemetery. Visitation is one hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Grand Haven. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or photo of Mary, or to sign her online guestbook.