Rose Ann English

Rose Ann English, 87, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2022 at home surrounded by family. She was born in Grosse Pointe, MI on July 8, 1935, to Mary (née MacEachern) and Enceladus Krumholz (aka Bob Blondell). Rose Ann grew up on St. Clair Avenue with her two beloved sisters, Celestine and Marilynn in the Blondell Farmhouse, one of the last original ribbon farmhouses in Grosse Pointe. As part of a large extended family of multi-generation Grosse Pointers and Nova Scotians, the Blondell Farmhouse became home to her mother’s youngest brother Duncan MacEachern and various cousins that stayed during holidays, including Fr. Vincent MacLellan. She embraced a tremendous work ethic and lifetime of generosity and kindness. Rose Ann was deeply involved with St Paul on the Lake Catholic Church where she attended elementary and high school. She was an accomplished athlete, wining the varsity basketball City Championship in 1953. During the summer of 1955, Rose Ann was the first female lifeguard in Grosse Pointe, inspiring her family and generations of families to love and appreciate the water. Rose Ann attended Michigan State University graduated with a degree in Home Economics. After graduation, she traveled to Europe with friends. She then began a brief but rewarding career at Continental Baking in Detroit touring and teaching school children about nutrition and healthy eating (featuring Twinkies!). Rose Ann and John (“Jack”) Edward English married at St Paul and enjoyed 57 years together. Rose Ann dedicated herself to her family and friends, deftly managing and nurturing four children, a busy household, and a wide circle of friends. She loved athletics and cherished her friends from swimming, tennis, bowling and golf. She was a constant fixture at her children and grandchildren’s sporting events and schools. She was deeply involved in her community including the Bon Secours Auxiliary and GP Farms Pier Park. Rose Ann loved to bake and loved teaching her children and 10 grandchildren how to cook. Her signature Cookie Day became an annual family Christmas event, as well as the yearly summer Camp Grandma Rosie. Rose Ann was the Office Manager for her husband Jack’s law firm. She and Jack loved to travel internationally and celebrate holidays with family. She remained close with her two sisters, spending winters on Sanibel Island, Florida living just a few blocks apart and walking the beaches nearly every day. We celebrate her long rewarding life and remember Rose Ann for her warm smile, easy laugh, the twinkle in her brilliant blue eyes. She was a kind generous spirit that supported and cared for all. The family thanks Rose Ann’s loving devoted caregivers, especially Dianne. Rose Ann is proceeded in death by her parents, Mary and Enceladus Krumholz (aka “Bob Blondell”), husband, John (Jack) and her older sister, Celestine Luke. She is survived by her younger sister Marilynn Bejin; children Maureen (Ned) English Carroll, John Jr/Sean (Peggy) English, Patti (John) Willard and Kevin (Kelly) English; grandchildren Kathryn Carroll, Bridget Carroll, Molly Carroll, Meghan English, Sean English, John Willard Jr, Patrick Willard, Michael Willard, Ryan English and Alexander English. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, Grosse Pointe Farms, on Saturday, August 27 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org); The Helm, Boll Life Center(helmlife.org); or Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s Adaptive Sports Program, Wheelchair Basketball, 261 Mack Boulevard, Detroit MI 48201. Arrangements entrusted to Wujek - Calcaterra & Sons Inc. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Rose Ann English

July 8, 1935 - August 7, 2022