Marie Jo (DeWitt) McWatters

Marie Jo (DeWitt) McWatters, age 87, of Grand Rapids, passed away on October 23, 2023. Born on April 2, 1936, her parents were Winifred and Peter J. DeWitt Sr. Marie grew up with a deep affection for horses, culminating in her becoming a three-time International Saddlebred Equitation Champion with her cherished horse, Midnight Sensation. Her equestrian talents were also showcased in local parades, high school football games, the Shrine Circus, and Madison Square Garden. Marie attended Catholic Central and Union High Schools, then earned her BS in Dental Hygiene from the University of Michigan. It was during her time at U of M that she met and fell in love with her future husband, Donald McWatters, whom she wed on September 26, 1959. Over the course of 64 loving years, she fulfilled the roles of a dedicated wife, a nurturing mother to five children, and a beloved grandmother to seven, leaving a profound void in their hearts with her passing. Marie's parents were founding members of Holy Spirit Parish, where she remained a lifelong parishioner and spent several years as a Garden Angel. She was highly active with her children's school and sporting events, was a member of the U of M alumni Brown group and contributed her time to various charitable causes, including Gilda's Club, Santa Claus Girls, YMCA Service Club, and Therapeutic Horsemanship of West Michigan. Marie had a long career as a dental hygienist, was a talented artist, and played tennis until the age of 75. Marie is preceded in death by her sisters, Edna Sullivan, Marietta Churchill, Helen Vogelaar, and Dorothy Bidgood, her brother Peter DeWitt Jr., and son-in-law Scott J. Kowalczyk. She is survived by her loving husband, Donald, as well as her children Paul (Marianne) McWatters, Sharon Kowalczyk, Stephen (Christi) McWatters, David McWatters, and Nancy (Russ) Bolter. Marie's legacy extends to her seven cherished grandchildren: Colin, Blake and Miranda McWatters, Brittney and Matthew (fiancée Kendall) Kowalczyk, Melissa (Joshua) Mullens, and Jessica McWatters. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Dorothy Bauer, along with numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday October 31, 2023 at 11:00 am at Holy Spirit Church where her family will receive visitors one hour prior. Interment Rosedale Memorial Park. Her family will receive visitors Monday October 30, 2023 from 5:00 pm- 8:00 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW. In tribute to Marie's memory, donations can be made to Faith Hospice or a charity of your choice. Her impact on the lives of many will be remembered with deep affection and gratitude.

Tributes

Marie Jo (DeWitt) McWatters

April 2, 1936 - October 23, 2023