Mrs. Teja Kozycki

KOZYCKI (WIJTOWYCZ) Mrs. Teodozija (Teja) Kozycki, age 91, passed away on April 21, 2012 and was carried in the loving arms of Jesus to be reunited in heaven with her husband, Stephen. Born in Gorajec, Poland in 1921, Teja and her seven siblings endured the heartbreak of their parents' (John and Anna Gach) untimely death during the genocide of Ukrainians in the mid 1940's. She is preceded in death by six siblings; brothers, Michael and Basil, sisters, Anna, Ewa, Kataryna and Anastasia. Teja is survived by her son and his wife, Andrew and Cynthia Kozycki, and most cherished grandson, Nathan (USA), sisters in-law; Stefania Wijtowycz and Maria Jaszcayszyn (USA). Teja's sister, Olga Knecka (Poland), is the last remaining sibling, along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews in the USA, Poland and the Ukraine. Teja's life journey took her away from the eminent danger of life in Poland to West Germany, where she worked for more than ten years and met her husband, Stephen Kozycki. They later traveled to the USA where they remained in Grand Rapids, MI toiling in factories as they built their lives together. As a naturalized citizen in 1956, Teja worked diligently with Stephen to reunite members of their families and sponsored their loved ones so they could also live and work in the USA; escaping poverty and constant hardship endured elsewhere. Applying her unyielding work ethic, Teja was well known for her tenacity and determination. Always expecting the best from herself, hoping for no less from others. There was no job too difficult she would not attempt. Convincing her to cease shoveling the snow off the rooftop of her house (in her eighties), was an especially challenging task for son, Andrew. Teja's love for her God was exemplified in her devotion to St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church, where she was the longest surviving member until her passing. The trio of Anna Holyinski (sister), Anna Marczuk and Teja Kozycki were well known for their kindness and skills; preparing and serving hundreds of meals to fellow parishioners for fifty years. Mass of Christian Burial and Committal Service will be Thursday 10 am St. Michael's Ukranian Church. The family will receive visitors Wednesday 6-8 pm at the Arsulowicz Brothers West Mortuary, 585 Stocking NW where a Panahyda Service will Wednesday 7pm. Memorials to St. Michael's Ukrainian Catholic Church are most appreciated.

Tributes

Mrs. Teja Kozycki

January 29, 1921 - April 21, 2012