Marija (Mary) Nowak (nee Reidzans)

Marija (Mary) Nowak (nee Reidzans), 82, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023, surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with dementia and is now with her husband and family enjoying all that heaven has to offer.She was born on March 24, 1941, in Nautrenos Rezekne Rajone, Latvia, to Grigors and Albina Reidzans. Marija was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She was married to Jerry (Gerald) James Nowak for 49 years. Sisters Malvina Glenn, Anna Gallacher, and Sue (Scott) Kocher survive. Her parents, husband, and brother John Reidzans, preceded her in death. Marija and Jerry were the parents of three children: Stephen and Michelle Nowak, Theresa and Todd Mairn, and Robert and Lauren Nowak. Marija was also the proud grandmother of Isabel Nowak, Samantha Nowak, Max Mairn, and Allie Mairn. Marija's love for her family was extended to her granddogs, Tank & Dexter Nowak, and Ezno & Bruno Mairn, whom she loved deeply. Despite adversity, Marija was a strong and resilient woman who worked tirelessly to create a better life for herself and her family. After fleeing Latvia, Marija quickly learned English to help her parents adjust to their new home in America and graduated from Catholic Central HS. She enjoyed working at Kaufman Pharmacy in her teenage years and then at the United Bank of Michigan. Marija was a devout Catholic and a pillar of her community. She was a St. Adalbert and Our Lady of Aglona Latvian Church member. She was also active in the Latvian community in Grand Rapids. Marija was a kind and compassionate woman who always put others before herself. She volunteered her time to help others and always had a smile on her face. She also loved going to her cottage on Nichols Lake. Marija's memory will live on in the hearts of all those she touched, and her kindness, care, and love will be remembered always. The family would like to thank Marija's caregivers, Sharon, Briana, Jyanah, and Olivia, for their loving care and support. Emmanuel Hospice cared for her and provided for her body, spirit, and mind. Marija will be deeply missed by all who know her. She was a pillar of her community and a role model for all who knew her. She will be remembered for her kindness, compassion, and love. Paldies, es milu tevi Marija! We invite you to celebrate her life with a visitation from 4 pm - 7 pm on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuaries at 3525 Remembrance Rd NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 with the Rosary being prayed at 6:45 pm. A funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on May 31, 2023, at St. Adalbert Basilica in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with a visitation at 10:00 am before the funeral. Instead of flowers, they suggest visiting an elderly relative or contributing to Emmanuel Hospice.

Tributes

Marija (Mary) Nowak (nee Reidzans)

March 24, 1941 - May 20, 2023