Marilyn (Sister Joelyn) Wysocki

Marilyn (Sister Joelyn) Wysocki aged 81 of S. Milwaukee, WI (formerly of Grand Rapids, MI), was led by angels to the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. She joins her parents, John and Eleanor (Gruzeski) Wysocki and her only sibling, Joyce (Wysocki) Fortier (5/12/21). She leaves behind her brother-in-law, Leo Fortier Jr., her three nephews, one niece and their families, Curtis Fortier, Kevin and Christine (Schneidt) Fortier (Emily, Claire and Mitchell), Renae (Fortier) and Michael Breuer (Graci and Kylie), Ryan and Jamie (Bronsink) Fortier (Lucy and Molly), several cousins, including her very special cousin and family, Cindy (Lucas) and Jeff Pratt (Amanda (George) Carey, Gabrielle (Fiancé Ruan Snakes) and Lucas), and countless friends. Joelyn and her sister were raised by two faith-filled parents in a close-knit, fun-loving family surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins. In 1960, after graduating from Catholic Central High School in Grand Rapids, she entered the School Sisters of Notre Dame. She received the name, Sister Joelyn; a familial symbolic name by combining John-Joyce-Eleanor-Marilyn). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Studies from Mount Mary College in Milwaukee (1969) and a Master of Education degree from Marygrove College in Detroit (1975). Later, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religious Studies from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids (1993). For 27 years, she journeyed with the School Sisters of Notre Dame and Franciscans of Sylvania, Ohio serving as teacher, school principal and hospital department administrator. For nearly 12 years, she was called to serve an “internship” in pastoral care due to the illness of her parents. During these years, Joelyn found solace among the Grand Rapids Dominicans, where she received liturgy training and her call to the next phase of her journey. Following the death of John and Eleanor, she moved to the Milwaukee area and had the privilege to minister as a Pastoral Associate at St. James Franklin, a Pastoral Care Director with the School Sisters of St. Francis Retirement Community, Milwaukee, a Liturgical Consultant for St. Matthias Milwaukee, worked in the Assessment Office as part of the re-accreditation process at Sacred Heart School of Theology, Hales Corners and finally as a Pastoral Associate for St. Stephen of Oak Creek until she retired in 2012. Joelyn was a life-long baseball fan. Some students she had known from her days as a teacher made it to the Major Leagues and would set aside tickets for her and her friends when their teams were in town. She was touched by the kindness and generosity of so many dear friends from the world of baseball, many of whom would call to check in on her from time to time. In addition to baseball, she loved to watch the Green Bay Packers. She had a well-trained eye for photography, loved to sing, read, travel and was somewhat proficient in Polish, French and Spanish. She enjoyed preparing her mom’s recipes and being involved in community activities, especially if there was music and dancing. Her quick wit, humor and kindness will be sorely missed. The family will receive visitors Friday March 1st from 10-11am at the Arsulowicz Brothers Remembrance Mortuary, 3525 Remembrance Rd NW in Grand Rapids, Michigan. A Rosary will be prayed at 11am at the funeral home. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The family wishes to express deepest gratitude to Zilber Family Hospice of Wauwatosa, WI who provided tender care to her in her final week of life. Memorial contributions may be given to Aurora Zilber Family Hospice via Aurora health Care Foundation and Marywood, Dominican Sisters of Grand Rapids, MI.

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Marilyn (Sister Joelyn) Wysocki

February 6, 2024