Obituary of Elizabeth Joanne Marciniak

Elizabeth Joanne Marciniak

Remus, Michigan

April 17, 1951~April 29, 2020

The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all their cares, and from all their sorrows.  

Elizabeth Joanne Marciniak went to her eternal rest in the early morning hours of April 29, 2020 in the comfort of her own home. Despite rapidly declining health due to complications from cancer, she left us quickly and peacefully, which her family considers answered prayers.

Known as Betsy to her family and friends, as Mom to her 4 children, as Grandma Betsy to 28 grandchildren, and as Grandma Great to her 4 great grandchildren, she was a wonderful woman who would surprise many with her baritone singing voice, which by the way was always off key!  That wouldn’t stop her from calling her family on their birthday and singing a horrible rendition of the Happy Birthday Song, which seemed to go on forever and ever! 

 She had so much fun in life.  Many wonderful friends supported her, gave her strength over the years, and loved her as if she was a part of their own family and she cherished them each.  There are far too many to name personally but you know who you are!   Her greatest joy, she would often say, comes from her very own family, of which she had many! When considering siblings, nieces, nephews, her children, and all of her grandchildren, there was a lot of people who brought joy into her life!

Betsy was born the 16^thchild out of the 19 of Sylvester and Lucille Marciniak’s children.  She grew up surrounded by brothers and sisters and cousins immediately.  She learned early on in life that family is your greatest support, and sometimes your biggest pain! As siblings they worked hard together & they played hard together. They celebrated holidays together and mourned loss and tragedies together. They knew that together they could make it through anything!

If asked what she wanted in life, Betsy wouldn’t hesitate to say that she always wanted to be a mom, which she was privileged to do.  She brought 4 wonderful children into the world, 3 sons and a daughter.  John (Cayce), Chad (Aimee), Jerred (Toni), & Jennifer (Jen Jen) each filled her heart with overflowing love and, more often than, not tested every ounce of the patience she had in her body! From her they learned to garden, enjoy the outdoors, tell stories, make traditions, serve others, love unconditionally, and that family really is everything!

It is said that the reward for raising children is called grandchildren.  Betsy was blessed to have 28 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, all who loved and adored her. She was happiest sharing stories of her childhood and laughing with her grandchildren. She always enjoyed visits with her babies, even if her “babies” drove themselves over to Grandma’s house or called her on their own phones from their own homes!  They were always her babies and she loved each one of them dearly!

Amidst the joys of her life were much sorrow and immense pain.  This resulted in an alcohol addiction early on that spanned the majority of her adult life.  There were numerous failed attempts to free herself from the restrictive chains of the addiction over the course of the years.  It wasn’t until her last year and a half of life, and well after developing a personal relationship with her Savior, Jesus Christ, that Betsy found the will to shed the bands of her addiction.  Of the many fond memories her children will look back on as they consider their mother, one they most admire was her receiving her 1-year Sobriety coin just days before her death. WAY TO GO MOM, WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF YOU!

When things were particularly tough in life she would often say, “I’m Ok, it’s Ok, things are going to be Ok” I think she would want you all to know that she is so much better than just Ok. She is wonderful, she is with those she loves, she isn’t suffering, and she is home!

Her children would like to thank those who have offered many condolences, well wishes, and loving memories through social media.  We love and appreciate you all.  We also wish to thank those who looked after her in her final days of life, we are grateful for the love and kindness extended to our mom. We know also that many kind acts of service were done and prayers said on her behalf.  We sincerely thank you for those also.  Finally, we would like to thank Angie and her family of staff at Sisters of Sobriety.  They were instruments in God’s hands used to help our mom enjoy her final year of life free of influence of alcohol. 

Until we meet again, God be with you, our sweet Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt & friend.  We love you eternally!

In lieu of flowers or condolence cards, please consider making a monetary donation to the Sisters of Sobriety in Remus, Michigan.  We would like to ensure their miraculous work can continue to have a positive influence on the lives of other women in the community.  For information on making donations, please visit https://www.bricksrus.com/donorsite/sos