Ellen Marie Czerwinski

February 17, 1927 - February 12, 2021

Ellen Marie (Colliton) Czerwinski, 93, of Essexville, our caring and compassionate mother, grandmother, great-grandmother “Geegee,” and most loyal friend was born into eternal life on the evening of Friday, February 12, 2021 at New Hope Bay, surrounded by her family. Ellen was born in Reese on February 17, 1927, the daughter of the late Joseph and Mayme (O’Donnell) Colliton. Growing up, Ellen loved the time spent with her family on the farm she was raised on and was grateful for her wonderful education in a one-room schoolhouse. She went on to graduate from Reese High School and attended Bay City Business College. While standing as the maid of honor in a wedding, she happened to meet the best man, Donald E. Czerwinski. They began dating, fell in love, and were united in marriage on September 10, 1949 in St. Elizabeth Church, Reese. Don and Ellen’s marriage was blessed with 48 years, two children, and countless traveling memories. Don preceded Ellen in death in 1997. Ellen was a faithful parishioner of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), where she was active with the League of Catholic Women & Men, Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. VanRooy Council, BARSP, and MARSP. Those who knew Ellen will forever remember her as the lead secretary to the principal at Garber High School, where she wore many hats. Her previous secretarial positions included St. John High School, Michigan Unemployment Commission, and Attorney Lambert. In her free time, Ellen enjoyed time spent with family and friends, especially at the family cottage on Big Bradford Lake in Waters. In Ellen’s more recent years, she enjoyed living at New Hope Bay, where she loved to stay active in the many ongoing games and activities. A wonderful listener with a great sense of humor, Ellen’s gracious, kind, and loving ways will live on for generations to come. She was a true friend to all. Ellen leaves to carry on her legacy, her daughter, Kathy (Charlie) Schwartz; son, Kevin (Kathleen) Czerwinski; five grandsons, Corey (Delinah) Anderson, Jeremy Anderson, James (Brigette) Anderson, Michael (Laura) Czerwinski, and Patrick (Kaye) Czerwinski; two-step grandchildren, Geoff (Alicia) Schwartz and Allison Schwartz; seven great-grandchildren, who were the lights of her life: Jax, Isla, Eden, Cade, James, and Ellie Anderson, and Lena and Ella Czerwinski; step great-grandchildren, Reahna and Allison Sheets; sister, Mary Kathryn “Kay” Moeller, along with many nieces, nephews, and special neighbors and friends of over 70 years, Barbara Kolka and Betty Dorien. Ellen will be deeply missed by her many friends at New Hope Bay, especially Liz; her forever friends, Joan & Bob Fehrenbach, along with her dear friends, Nancy Jacobs and Nancy McCartney. In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Don, Ellen was preceded in death by her brothers, James (Stella) Colliton, Joseph (Jean) Colliton, and John Colliton; her sisters, Joan (Ed) Rupp and Peggy (Paul) Williams, and her brothers-in-law, Harry (Joyce) Czerwinski and Don Moeller. Ellen’s Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated at 12:00 Noon on Thursday, February 18, 2021 at St. Jude Thaddeus Parish (St. John the Evangelist Church), 614 Pine St., Essexville. Fr. Dale Orlik will officiate with the Rite of Committal to be held privately in St. Patrick’s Mausoleum. Visiting will be at church on Thursday after 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Jude Thaddeus Parish or the Good Samaritan Rescue Mission. The entire family wishes to extend a heartfelt thanks to McLaren Hospice, Dr. Rajesh Dandamudi, and New Hope Bay for their compassionate care. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family online at www.skorupskis.com.