A graduate of St. Mary Grade School and the first graduating class of Monroe Catholic Central, Edward Francis Heil said that “life is a celebration of love”.  A veteran of the Marine Corps, Ed was described by his family as “a character” who was a storyteller who also enjoyed singing.  Passionate about being on the water, he was an active member of the Monroe Boat Club and enjoyed power boats, skiing, sailing, and fishing. 

Frank John Kolakowski enjoyed being busy!  Hard work was not foreign to him.  Following his father’s death when he was a young boy,  Frank and his siblings worked the family farm to secure food for his mother and siblings.  As an adult, Frank continued to enjoy gardening and delighted in sharing his produce with neighbors and friends.  His family described him as kind and generous.

Arnold “Arnie” Joseph Discher served his family, community, and God in many ways.  As the father of Jennifer (Louis); Skip (Laura) and Andrew (Stephanie), Arnie led by example.  One of his favorite roles was that of a Boy Scout Leader, serving as a Scoutmaster, member of the Order of the Arrow and most recently working to prepare young men for the Eagle Scout distinction which both of his sons achieved.  Arnie, along with Carol, his wife of more than 54 years, were role models for their children and grandchildren (Joseph and Audrey) as they generously and consistently extended a helping hand to others in need of food, transportation, shelter, counsel, humor.  Their presence and active participation in school and sports events was a priority and created lasting memories for all.

A wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an educator, a friend are some words that describe Maria Catherine (Cathie) Harrington.  A life-long resident of Monroe and graduate of St. Mary Academy, Cathie initially shared her God-given talents with others as an educator, teaching at St. Mary Elementary School for seven years.  In more recent years she worked as an event planner at her family’s restaurant, the Sand Bar Grillle.

Anita Lou Ellerbrock, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother had great trust in God’s mercy and love. Her confidence in God can be summed up in a phrase she often quoted: “Things will work out, they always do.” Anita was often seen wearing stylish hats.  To honor her at her funeral, several family members wore her hats; a gesture that Anita would have appreciated!! Her love of hats led her to become a member of the Red Hat Society! 

Multiple generations of the Kennedy Family gathered on Monday, November 29 to praise and thank God for the gift of their mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Rose Mary Kennedy. The mother of: Sharon (Daniel) Cousineau; Karen Kennedy (Joe Whinery); Patricia (Kenneth) Cousino, Timothy, Joseph (Wendy) ; Kevin (Kathleen Pitton), Robert (Cindy), Marie Kennedy (Jeff Gutschow) and Michael (d.) and Theresa (d).  Rose Mary is also survived by 36 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.  

Nina Margaret Kirkadly, served in the United States Army as a Captain; this experience fine-tuned her attention to detail, her self confidence and strong leadership ability.   She enjoyed travelling especially to Indian River and throughout the Upper Peninsula, grateful for the outdoors. Throughout her life she valued time spent fly fishing. She was creatively gifted, expressing herself through her painting and drawing.  Following completion of studies, she graduated from Marygrove College and eventually taught music at Cantrick Middle School in Monroe.

A motto that Richard Charles Drouillard embraced in life was “Pay it Forward.”  Blessed with many gifts, Dick never hesitated to help another person or community in need.  His life was in service to others; helping his family, those with whom he worked and the community in which he lived.  Dick worked as a nuclear supervisor at Fermi I and II.  Additionally, he was a member of the Fire Department, an EMT and a mechanic while serving in the US Army.  Active in the lives of his children, Dick was an assistant leader for the Boy Scout troop that of his oldest son, Vincent, was involved with. With his youngest son, Ricky, who valued his father’s opinion, he enjoyed the hobby of collecting knives and guns. 

The life and witness of Dr. John Walter Kuras was celebrated when his family and friends gathered recently for the Mass of the Resurrection.  John was an optimistic person and had chosen the title “Anything’s Possible” for a book that he had hoped to write and would have described his life.  As a result of the injuries he suffered in an accident as a toddler, John walked with a noticeable limp for his entire life.  While he could not excel in sports, Dr. Kuras stood out academically and professionally.

The descriptors of wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt define some of the roles that describe Joyce Ann Eby.  In these roles and the many other ways that she was involved in serving others, she sought and found the good in each person.  Her children described her as a gentle soul, who had a deep well of patience and extended kindness to others.