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Remarkable Women
Nominations Carol Franciosci, Nominated by Sandra Bell of Windsor Ont All her achievements: Mother (single) of two; advanced her education later in life for a Mater’s program and now is pursuing a degree in the nursing field. Doris Renauer, Nominated by Sandra Renauer, Plymouth MI Our family of six children was raised in Detroit. My
mother was a working Mom before it was fashionable (I'm 50 years old)
due to hardship. Because of her sacrifice we were never hungry and were
educated through the catholic school system. One of the things my Mother
is proud of is her six college graduates. Her marriage was a rocky one,
but in spite of a divorce when she was in her 50's my mother and father & his
wife still attend family events and we have never had to feel the hostility
many children of divorce feel. My Mother is amazing. She's forthright,
down to earth, practical and has lived through many joys and sorrows
in life with both faith and courage. I was a young woman of 28 when I
had a hysterectomy, a great loss as I had not had children. Mom was there.
My nephew died at 21from a drug overdose and Mom was the first one at
their home outside of Chicago. She was loving and tough at the same time.
I could go on but it would take much more than this essay. At 79 she
is still active and as interested in people as when she was younger.
My siblings and I marvel at her energy although she has suffered a major
heart attack. We'll be happy to have half of it when we're her age. It's
difficult to sum up a life, especially one as special as hers. She did
the best she could with the circumstances she faced and by doing so is
an inspiration to all of us. She is truly unique and we were lucky to
have her for a Mom. To me that is enough. There are so many unsung heros
and I believe she is one of them.
Mariann Cline, nominated by Cathy Grinn, Rockwood MI The women who gives everything for everyone else selflessly...simply put that is my Mom. My mother, against all odds has raised 4 children as a single mom teaching us integrity, honesty and giving. We are all grown now with children of our own, and it is those moments of love, respect and encouragement that stand out in my mind from my childhood. My mother is retired now, on a fixed income, yet she continues to give of herself and the little that she has to her family. I don't have a spectacular story to tell, I have a simple story to tell of my mother--but the result of that is a spectacular lady who has taught me how to succeed and reach for my dreams--and that I feel makes her a remarkable woman!
Catherine Grinn, nominated by Ken Grinn, Rockwood MI Several years ago I was diagnosed with an incurrable
spinal desease. My wife Cathy had just been "downsized" from
a professional position within the automotive industry and was struggling
with the issue of having to determine a new career path. The next three
years of my illnes involved continuous hospital stays, chemotherapy,
procedures and an operation that required an abundance of care. Cathy
was always there for me which was amazing considering that we have for
children of which three were quite young. Though there is much I cannot
remember of those three years I will never forget how Cathy had kept
it all together and got us through it.
Carole Macovis, nominated by Heather Averitt, Roseville MI I would love to tell you about an unbelievably remarkable women in my
life. My Mom. She has been through so many triles in her life, but yet
she keeps a smile on her face and a cheerful and positive attitude.
Sheri Ward, nominated by Shannon Ward, Hillsdale MI My Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in October of 2003. She had 2 surgeries, chemo and radiation. During my Mom's treatment my Father got sick and was in the hospital 5 times. My Dad passed away 1 month after my Mom finished her radiation. During all of this my Mom never complained, missed any work (she had radiation every day on her lunch hour). She spent many nights in a chair next to my Dad's hospital bed and took care of me too. I was 11 and very scared that both of my parents would die. Today my Mom does everything she can to make a good home for me and spends lots of time doing things for me and with me. Sometimes I think she is too strict but I know it's because she loves me and wants the best for me.
Dawn Laquere, nominated by Connie Burton, Grosse Pointe MI Respect, how can you not respect a person who gives so selflessly though
out her life. She is a single mom who has raised two successful boys. She
devoted her life to her family. Working hard to send them to college. She
also had time for everyone else. Helping my neice by watching her child
once a week picking her up from work and giving my neice some private time.
She also checks on my mom, 80 years old and l almost daily, after she works.
Sonja Soper, nominated by Kathy Knapp, New Baltimore MI My remarkable woman is my best friend, actually I call her my sister. She has stood by me through the good time sand the challenges that life has brought me. She has loved me with all my faults.
Carol Petredean Di Salvio, nominated by Holly Blashfield, Homer MI Carol Petredean DiSalvio is a phenomenal role model and instrumental leader in our community. As president and founding member of our community foundation she has spearheaded philanthropic endeavors that have ranged from education and scholarships to community beautification and recycling and everything in between. As a parent to 5 daughters she has provided inspiration to not only them, but the multitude of their peers who looked to her for ideas and advice. Carol worked tirelessly as a school board member for nearly a decade insuring a strong legacy of educational excellence for the community. Her efforts in promoting life long learning have continued in big and small ways. Taking on the big tasks and spearheading county stakeholders is part of her work as chairperson of the Arts and Industry Council for Calhoun County and executive director of the Community Foundation Alliance of Calhoun County. Both endeavors expand local opportunities and improve the quality of living in the rural areas of Michigan. A smaller way she impacts those around her is organizing the most amazing book club. With members ranging from mid 20s to mid 80s in age the topics discussed and reading selections are as varied and unique as the membership. She willingly undertakes the task of organizing and hosting club meetings to ensure that this educational and social event occurs monthly. She has impacted me as an educator in the community and as a friend. Her tireless devotion to improving the lives of those around have been a true inspiration.
Florence Kraemer, nominated by Mary Lou Lesniewski, St Clair Shores, MI At age 86 some might say that mom has lived her life.
She experienced the depression, married, and raised five
children. Typical of the time, she was a stay at home mom. What seems amazing
is how she kept her sanity in a small house. Nowadays people move to larger
homes with smaller families, looking for "elbow room" and privacy.
Yet 7 family members fit into our bungalow. It was our remarkable
mom who made this a home. In her mid 50’s Mom learned to haul a 32 ft. travel trailer. Although she’d never been “camping” before, she and dad chose to spend several retirement years touring the states. It was remarkable to see this 5’2 woman behind the wheels of a Suburban, with a 32 footer trailing behind her! In her late 70’s, Mom, who had literally never touched a computer,
bought one and remarkably learned how to use it!
Amy Schultz, nominated by Laurie Austin, Harrison Twp MI Typcial story. Amy was a part time secretary with small three children. Her Husband had an affair and left the family. Instead of giving up, Amy went back to work full time; got her associates and then bachelors degree; applied for and got an internship and is currently in a mid-management job with the government. Her three children are great. One is a NW stewardess; one goes to Michigan Stage and one is still in High school and is in choir plays on varsity baseball team. Amy is always optimistic and upbeat. She has every right to be bitter and angry but she is not. She is alwyas upbeat and supportive of her children and friends. She is very quick witted and loves to laugh and enjoy life. She is a remarkable woman and I admire her most of all my friends.
Marilyn Byrnes, nominated by Mary Ann Catron, Hillsdale MI My mother is the most optimistc and lively person you could ever meet; it is hard to believe she will be 85 this year. A dedicated Red Wings fan, she wears her Red Wing jersey as she faithfully watches her favorite team on TV. She grew up in Southfield during the depression, the oldest child of immigrants. At 11 she began working as a as a maid. She learned to drive at age 12. Against all odds she graduated from Berkley High School and attended college to become a teacher. She married my father, the love of her life, during WWII. Dad died just before their 25th anniversary, leaving her widowed at 45. Mom raised the four of us kids alone, a single mom before it was in vogue, doing her best to fulfill the role of both parents. She went to work for Chrysler, then later, for General Dynamics in Warren, MI. On her own she built a home "up north". We all enjoyed spending time there together. When she retired from General Dynamics Mom moved up north - free to golf, attend church, travel and quilt. She also cared for her aging father in her home for 10 years until he gradually sucumbed to Altzheimer's. In the winter she drove south by herself to Gulf Shores, AL. where she enjoyed golf and water aerobics. Two years ago I convinced Mom to move to Hillsdale to be closer to me. It wasn't easy for her to give up her home and move to an apartment but she did it with her usual positive outlook. Mom makes friends wherever she goes and inspires younger women with her independence, determination to overcome obstacles and optimism. She is good natured about the inconvenient physical limitations of aging and hopes the Lord will allow her enough time on earth to finish all the things she still wants to do.
Margarette Hurt, nominated by Donna Baier, Dearborn Heights MI My mother is 85 years old and still works. She is a Foster Grandparent working at a school for handicapped children in Monroe, Michigan. My mother exercises regularly to stay in shape so she can go to work each day, to be with the children is what keeps her alive. Eighteen years ago mom was depressed and just miserable to be around, then she saw a tiny ad in the paper for Foster Grandparent. She walked into the school a depressed person and walked out the happiest woman in the world. Everyone loves my mom. Last year she received the Red Apple award for her work. She was on the United Fund posters in 2006 which were displayed all over Monroe. Lazy Boy donated a comfortable chair just for her. Mom recently had surgery and had to miss 2 weeks of work and you have never heard such sobbing and self-pity, all employers should have people like this on their payroll. Whenever the program is invited to talk before the Kiwanis or Lions they take my mom because watching her express her love for the childrens seems to win alot of hearts and opens alot of wallets. She is the best, and all of us should be so eager to get to work and to keep ourselves physically fit so we can continue going to work. She's quite a person!
Lynore Manning, nominated by Autumn Card, Dearborn Heights MI My Mother is remarkable because she chose to raise me as a single parent and struggle finacially, instead of giving in to my dad who was not the role model my mother felt a girl needed to be exposed to. She may of had a finacially more better life if she stayed, but when he showed up at 10pm at night on my 2nd birthday and i was waiting for him all day to take me out, she said thats enough. My mom quit nursing school to get a job and make sure I was taken care of. My mom worked everyday to make sure I would ever know we were worse off then someone else. I never felt like I was not rich, we always lived in a house that she rented and since we lived in three different homes till i was 7 i really thought we were rich since we were always getting a "new home" at least thats what i thought. When my grandmother passed away in 1981, my grandfather was really having a hard time. My mother decided we would move in with him since at this time we were living in a coverted covent with another family and their kids and was not working out. She wanted to be sure her dad was being taken care of the only way to be sure was to move us in and do it herself. She lived with him until he passed away from colon cancer in 2001. My mother took care of him day in and day out, taking family leave which meant no income. They lived off my grandfathers SSI for two years and she catered to his every need to the last day. Her whole life she has given up so much and could of done other things with there lifes as her sister and brother. But what was important to her was to see her daughter and father happy. My mother is amazing and I would love for her to be honored for her unselfishness.
Patricia Dalton, nominated by Elaine Mell, Allen Park MI My sister, Patti, has been a truly remarkable person all her
life but during the past five years has gone above and beyond helping aging
relatives. While taking her mother-in-law into her home due to terminal
illness, requiring constant care; her aunt got into a car accident and
developed a closed head injury. She not only comforted and cared for her
mother-in-law day and night until her death; but was at the hospital daily
to oversee the medical care for months in hopes her aunt would pull through,
but did not. A time comes for all of us to help aging relatives, but Patti 's unwavering endurance and positive attitude while taking the responsibility to help these five people simultaneously is incredible. It is not only the constant love and compassion she shows for all five when facing their death; but also the selling of four homes, visiting lawyers, handling financial and medical concerns while preparing two for assisted living and three for funerals has made Patti indeed a great candidate for A REMARKABKLE WOMAN!
Mildred Christian, nominated by Patricia Christian, Detroit MI
Lucy Johnston, nominated by Janice hay, Madison Heights MI My mother is my mentor, the love of my life and yes my very best friend. I have been out of a job for over a year and was so depressed the I wanted god to take my life but, my mom would not allow that. She calls me everyday and has even paid my last 4 house payments for me. She is not rich. She receives social security and she works for the Nature Nook at Macys Northland part-time. She was by my side when I found out that my boys were sexually abused by my ex-husband's nephew in 2003. She came to visit me every other weekend for 4 years while I was in prison back in 1977 and in the 4 years she kept telling me that she was not going to give up on me. But she not only takes care of me but also the rest of the family she even babysits the great-grandchildren. The ladies at the Berkley Post Office call her the pillow lady because she makes throw pillows for familly and friends and even strangers who tell her about the difficulities in their lives. She is a gem and whoever meets her loves her. Oh and by the way she is 85 years old and in July she will be 86.
Misty Murdock, nominated by DJ, Kincheloe MI
Donna Freeman, nominated by Robin Klingler, Canton MI My friend Donna also encouraged me to re-enter the work force and guided me to the Canton Public Library where she was employed. Because of her recommendations to the proper administration staff, I was offered, and I accepted a position as an "on-call librarian assistant". I love my work, I love the Canton Public Library and I am forever indebted to Donna for leading the way for me. Donna battles daily with rheumatoid arthristis and yet,
never complains. I understand this can be extremely painful. But
there's my Donna, always ready for good conversation and
companionship.
Nancy Larke, nominated by Barbara Phillips, Shelby Twp MI I'm not the type of person who has had many "heroes" in life...always desiring to find my own path, follow my own instincts, etc. However, in 2000, I was fortunate enough to have met Nancy Larke at an interview for a job for which I was eventually hired. Having been selective about choosing my next employer, I was confident that the company to which I was moving was a good choice. However, what became clear to me early on was that my new manager, Nancy Larke, was a truly extraordinary women. What I admired most about Nancy was that as a manager she empowered her subordinates, valued their contributions, and believed in their abilities. Moreso, Nancy was not afraid of sharing her own weaknesses with us...making her more "real" to us and further underscoring her integrity and credibility. Nancy is a vivacious, truly loving, and brilliant woman who, I feel, has been underappreciated and deserves a moment to shine. I submit this nomination as one small way of thanking her for being a part of my life and for the many ways she has helped me to grow as an employee, a woman, and as an individual. Today I celebrate Nancy Larke and again recall how blessed I am for having crossed paths with her!
Lynne Wendt, nominated by Diane McDaniel, Redford MI I would like to nominate my mom. She is a wonderful woman with a big heart. She is always there to help someone in need, whether it is family or friend or stranger. She has opened her heart and her home to many people. She volunteers with her church for many committee's and councils. She also volunteers to decorate the church for special masses, runs the rummage sales, cuts and serves fish for the fish fry's during lent, is in charge of donations for the family fun fair that is held annually to raise money for the church. She does all of these things which in its self is a miracle because she has personal physical hurdles to overcome. She has several physical issues that thank the lord have not defeated her. She is the kindest most thoughtful person and she would do anything within her power for another. This is why I want to nominate my mother as a remarkable woman in my life. She has shown me that even when you think you don't have another ounce to give and your feeling defeated, you can pick your head up and find joy in helping others.
Pat McDonald, nominated by Sue Arnot, Warren MI
Betty McInally, nominated by Donna, Ypsilanti MI
Jennifer Berry, nominated by Sally Jordan, Southgate MI Jennifer has always been there for me. When she was young, she helped me out with her two younger brothers, when I worked or had things to do. She did a lot of things when she was young, that most others would not have done. I am so proud of her. Even today, when I have a medical problem, she is there in a flash to help me, she was at the hospital with me 24-7, and is always willing to help me out, and she has her own lovely family and also works. She is such a remarkable woman, and I am so blessed to have her in my life.
Jane Morgan, nominated by Jordan Harvey-Morgan, Detroit MI She is a remarkable person because of what she does. She is a single mother, with her own business. She does os much for everyone. She gives up so much for me and I am very grateful. She is a remarkable woman because of what she does.
Beth Beregeou, nominated by Kathleen Jacobi, Lincoln Park MI She is a lawyer and also does many things at the church. She is a leader in our Wednesday kids program and also part of our choir.
Cheryl Johnson, nominated by Mercedes Johnson, Detroit MI My mom is a hard working, dynamic, self confident woman. She's a mother, a wife, and the most caring human being you could ever meet. Her want to help others is like in my words the thing that makes her "dalmatian." I know she wasn't born with spots but she has the top spot in my book. Truly there is nothing more I can say about her. She has raised me to be a good, kind, and loving girl just like herself and I wouldn't want to be anyone else than her. I'm only twelve going on thirteen, but I know a remarkable woman when I see one and she is it. She deserves everything she has and she deserves even more. Starting with recognition of what a great, fabulous, and wonderful person she is!
Brenda Phillips, nominated by Brenda G. Berkowitz Brenda Phillips is the administrator at Beard Early Childhood Center in Southwest Detroit. Beard E.C.C. is a very special and wonderful place! It is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual learning center. The staff and students represent many countries, languages, cultures and religions, and everyone gets along well! It is a virtual mini-United Nations. I attribute the staff, parents and children getting along together so well to Mrs. Phillip's leading style! She is very resourceful and wants the best for the students. Beard E.C.C. is a warm and welcoming place to be! (Older students, siblings and relatives often visit, just to be in such a comfortable atmosphere!) I am the School Social Worker at Beard E.C.C. I test the Head Start students there twice a year, at the beginning and ending of each school year. It is amazing how much they learn, in just one school year of Pre-School! I test most of the children in Spanish in the Fall. I am able to re-test most of them in English in the Spring, and they have learned the alphabet, shapes, some basic math and vocabulary! Again, I attribute most of the credit for this to Mrs. Phillips!
Joann Czarnota, nominated by Gloria
Czarnota, Detroit MI What a great gal. She does a lot of volunteer work at ther school and also for the church festivals. She also helps her neighbor out doing various chores because she is handicapped. She is also always present at all of her children’s sporting events cheering them on and providing support.
Michelle Czarnota, nominated by Gloria Czarnota, Detroit MI She is a wonderful lady and very special. She is a special ed teacher for twelve years and she puts her heart and soul into her work. She spends a lot of her own money to buy educational and therapeutic items to help her students. She also helps me tremendously and everyone else who crosses her path. If you need a friend or a helping hand.
Gloria Czarnota , nominated by Sharon Thomas, Canton MI Always been there when I needed help. She always has a smile on her face and is pleasant to everyone no matter what is going on in her life. We have known each other for sixty years. God blessed my life for having her as a good friend.
Shelly Fetzer, nominated by Sharon Thomas, Canton MI She is constantly active with her brownie troops. She has been a leader for three years and is totally dedicated. She also helps her friends out whenever she is needed and never complains. She is a wonderful person.
Tracy Edson, nominated by Gloria Czarnota, Detroit MI Very remarkable. She is expecting her first baby and we will call this pregnancy a “miracle child.” Why? Because she has tried to get pregnant for five years unsuccessfully, and also she has resorted to three surgeries in order to conceive. The last surgery proved successful in helping her become pregnant. The surgery was performed in Colorado with her husband and her mom by her side. She is expecting June 20th. Happy days are here again for this great gal and her new little bundle of joy.
Sharon Brooks, nominated by Sharon Thomas, Canton MI
Sharon Thomas, nominated by Gloria Czarnota, Detroit MI
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