Bernadette Marie Kotecki

Bernadette Marie Kotecki passed away on May 31, 2021 at the age of 95. Bernadette was born in Elmira, Michigan on October 13, 1925 to Anthony and Josephine Wojciechowski. Bernadette is the beloved Wife of the late Leonard Kotecki. Loving Mother of Charlene (Sherri) (the late Michael) O'Lear, and Annette (Mark) Cieslak. Proud Grandmother of Michael O'Lear (Lisa Hamameh), Leonard (Lisa) O'Lear, Lauren (Eric) Baker, Christopher Cieslak (Tatum Guinn) and Great Grandmother of Carter Baker, Addison Baker, Brynlee O'Lear, Bryson O'Lear, and Braydon O'Lear. Dearest Sister of Hilary (the late Joseph) Wudyka, Geraldine (Ronald) Hofbauer. Dear sister in law of Margie Alberts. Predeceased by the late Lucille (the late Raymond) Dubas, Louise Wojciechowski, Sylvester (the late Heddy) Wojciechowski, and Bernard Alberts. In her youth growing up in Boyne Falls, Michigan Bernadette was a great and formidable athlete competing in both softball and basketball. During World War II she was employed as a "Rosie the Riveter." Without the assistance of these dedicated women the war could have turned out different. Her love of sports stayed with her throughout her life. She absolutely loved the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings and watched them play every game. Aside from her love of sports Bernadette had a strong and independent spirit. She would shovel her own snow even into her 90s even when her family scolded her about it. When her family got on her case about this she would tell them that she worried about the postman. That was Bernadette always putting others in front of her. No one had a bigger heart than Bernadette she stayed positive and wore a smile every day. She loved eating at the local restaurant Firenze she even loved their rolls with butter. Bernadette's love of her family was the only thing that eclipsed her love for her Tigers, Red Wings and local eateries. Christmas Eve was one of the most important days of the year in the Kotecki Household and was celebrated at mom and dad's house every year for 67 years. Visitation Thursday 3-8 PM with a 6:30 PM Rosary at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc. 49150 Schoenherr Rd. (n. of 22 Mile Rd.), Shelby Twp. Instate Friday 9:30 AM until 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Our Lady Queen of Families Parish St. Clement Campus 25320 Van Dyke Ave. (n. of 10 Mile), Center Line, Michigan. Interment St. Clement Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be directed to Salvation Army.

Bernadette Marie Kotecki

October 13, 1925 - May 31, 2021