Mary Kay Olosky, 84 of Kewadin, Michigan passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025 surrounded by the loving embrace of her family while in hospice care in Palm Harbor, Florida. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who lived an active life full of adventure, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished most.
Mary was born on March 7, 1940, the youngest of four siblings born to Delbert and Lois Grieser of Delavan, Illinois. She grew up surrounded by family in Delavan, and in the heart of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she was active in the church choir. In 1958, she left her hometown for college in Kansas. In 1962 she graduated with a teaching degree from Kansas State University and accepted her first teaching position in Manhattan, Kansas.
In 1965, Mary moved to Flint, Michigan for a position teaching physical education at Flint Central High School. In Michigan, Mary met the love of her life Marty Olosky and they married on November 26, 1966. They lived for 35 years in Swartz Creek, Michigan where they raised three children and were active and generous members of their community and church. Mary was passionate about her career teaching elementary school in the Swartz Creek School District and built bonds with colleagues and students that lasted throughout her lifetime.
Mary loved Northern Michigan and found her greatest joy in nature. While her children were growing up, her family spent school holidays camping, boating and snowmobiling. In 2001, Mary and Marty built their dream retirement home in Kewadin on a bluff overlooking Torch Lake, which Mary called the most beautiful place on earth. They were blessed with many pleasurable years with neighbors, friends, family and especially their grandchildren boating, swimming and enjoying Traverse City and the town of Elk Rapids.
Mary was an adventurer who enjoyed traveling. She celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with Marty in Hawaii, as well as visiting Alaska, the Caribbean and Germany. She and Marty loved their annual spring 'snow-bird' trips to Florida. She also appreciated Notre Dame football, good food, s'mores by the campfire and a nice cold glass of beer.
Mary is survived by her husband, Martin Olosky; three children, Mike (Kristen) Olosky of San Clemente, California, Anne (Jon) Boyce of Palm Harbor, Florida and Matt Olosky of Williamsburg, Michigan; ten grandchildren, Jayna Olosky, Lauren Olosky, Joshua Olosky, Nicholas Olosky, Julia Olosky, Elijah Olosky, Sophie Boyce, Max Boyce, Topher Olosky, and Gunnar Olosky; one great-grandchild AJ Montanez; and her brother Dale (Jane) Grieser.
She was preceded in death by her parents Delbert and Lois Grieser, sister Betty Hartzler and her husband Melvin Hartzler, brother Billie Grieser, and great-granddaughter Scarlett Montanez.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 17, 2025, at 12:15 pm at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Elk Rapids, Michigan. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 5-6:30 pm, followed by Praying of The Rosary all at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, Elk Rapids, Michigan
Arrangements are in the care of the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Elk Rapids and Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel.
The family would welcome donations in honor and celebration of Mary to the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church Building Fund in lieu of flowers. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Sacred Heart Catholic Church Building Fund Memorial https://abundant.co/sher/give
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mary, please visit our floral store.
Mary Kay Olosky, 84 of Kewadin, Michigan passed away peacefully on March 5, 2025 surrounded by the loving embrace of her family while in hospice care in Palm Harbor, Florida. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, who lived an active life full of adventure, warmth, and unwavering devotion to those she cherished most.<
Published on March 14, 2025
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