Mary Maria Partyka

Mary Maria Partyka (nee: Ciaravino) age 89 of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, passed away peacefully in her home on July 16, 2024. She was surrounded by her family, her greatest accomplishment. Mary was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 10, 1934 to John Ciaravino and Frances (Coppola). She is survived by the beloved family she created. Mother of four children, Bianca (Larry Hill), Joe (Laura), John, and David. Grandmother of nine grandchildren, Heather (Larry), Rachele (Bruno), Katie (Justin), Ryan (Erika), Kyle (Stacey), Robert, Bianca, Christopher and Annie. Cherished “Gigi” to seven great-grandchildren, Andrew, Temperance, Gibson, Elmer, Ellanore, Mateo and Dawson. Mary also had a wide network of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, as well as many who called her “grandma” or “aunt” because she provided them love and care as if they were her family by blood. She is preceded in death by her two brothers Salvatore (Josephine) Ciaravino and Vito William (Ann Marie) Ciaravino, former husband and father of her children David Partyka, and great grandchild Temperance. Nothing was more important to Mary than family. Her capacity for love was boundless and she treasured her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren with all of her heart. She also had immense love for animals and the Lord. She adored her own pets and those of her family members. Mary was a devoted parishioner of St. Margaret of Scotland in Saint Clair Shores, even taking communion in her home on the day of her death. Mary graduated from St. Bernard High School in Detroit, class of 1952 and attended Macomb College for journalism and legal aid. She made up her mind to marry David and started her family right away. After they separated, Mary worked several jobs to support her family as a single mother. She proudly worked at a sweet shop next to a theater in Detroit, where her husband proposed to her, J.L. Hudson’s Downtown, the United Auto Workers Union, Gordy Howe’s Ice Rink, Dr. Mosio’s dental office, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, and then in her brother’s dental office for many years. Mary also volunteered at local hospitals and served as a Lioness with the Lions Club International providing humanitarian services to those in need. Her love and care touched so many lives. Mary maintained an ‘open door’ invitation at her home that lasted from her children’s school years until the end of her life and was in her glory giving advice or the latest news to someone who just dropped by to see her. Mary enjoyed a great cup of coffee, family vacations, going to her favorite restaurants and trying new ones, planning her daily and holiday meals, Bailey’s Irish Cream, chocolate ice cream, Fran’s famous cheesecake and cookies. She loved playing board games or pinochle with friends and family, nice long drives along the water, music, dancing, watching a good movie or her favorite TV programs. Mary enjoyed writing too and wrote a few short stories that got published. She always looked forward to birthdays, holidays and surprises. She cherished her time saying the rosary with her dear friends, Christa, Ellen, Shirley, Joanne and cousin Sera. Mary treasured time spent visiting or reminiscing with family, friends and neighbors, and had a gift of making everyone feel loved and special with encouragement and celebration of their accomplishments. She loved her home (which she proudly paid off on her own) and all the love, memories, and laughter it was filled with. Mary’s personality and heart were larger than life. She will be deeply missed by many. Visitation will take place at Wujek-Calcaterra and Sons (Metro Parkway and Schoenherr) on Wednesday, July 24,, 2024 from 3:00 to 8:00 pm with a scripture service at 7:00 pm. Mary will lie in state on Thursday, July 25, 2024 from 10:00 to 10:30 pm, with mass beginning at 10:30 am at St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. Thirteen Mile Rd, Saint Clair Shores, MI 48082. Mary’s final resting place will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in proximity to the predeceased members of her family. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting any donations to be sent to the Michigan Humane Society.

Mary Maria Partyka

September 10, 1934 - July 16, 2024