Maria Magdalena Pytlowany

Maria Magdalena Pytlowany, 92, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family on November 22, 2021, which was also her late husband’s birthday. She was born November 13, 1929 in Kulmbach, Germany to Babette (Winkler) and Otto Fritz Gogelein, as well as her beloved step-father, Alfred Schmidt, who helped raise her to be the amazing woman she was.

Maria was united in marriage to the love of her life and soul mate, Andrzej Pytlowany On August 21, 1948 in Frankfurt, Germany. They met during WWII after the Polish prisoners of war were captured by the Germans during the 1939 invasion of Poland, and sent to Germany as laborer’s.

Together, Maria and Andrzej started a beautiful family, and in 1950, they made a brave journey on a ship to the land of the free, America; in tow, was also their little girl, Bianka. They were expecting another in the months to come. Andrzej laid out a map of the USA, and while blindfolded, randomly pointed to a small town in Michigan to start a new life in. That little town was Marshall. As soon as that ship docked in New York, they were home bound by train to Marshall, Michigan. Soon after reaching their new home town, they welcomed their 2nd child, Syrenata, into their loving family. Maria and Andrzej would go on to welcome their 3rd child, Myranda, and soon enough after her, a little boy named Taras. Their four children were their world, their reason, their life.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Maria. Maria was an extraordinary wife, mother, and a homemaker to the fullest extent. She was a passionate cook who kept family recipes and traditions alive in their home.  She had an uncanny ability to find happiness in the smallest things and had a remarkable sense of humor. Any holiday where she could host in her home, were her favorite. She had a heart of gold and had a soft spot for any animal, in which the local stray cats could sense, and knew where to go for three meals a day. She enjoyed reading tabloids and novels and, in fact, taught herself English by reading the English dictionary. Watching Judge Judy was a favorite past time of hers, as well.  She adored her children growing up, surrounding them with unconditional love their entire lives. She was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she relished in spending quality time with, and was always delighted for them to visit so she could spoil them rotten. She also kept the dearest Pytlowany family in the Ukraine close to her heart, and made sure she stayed in touch with them regularly. She made an enormous impact on her family in the most amazing way, and they cherished her every being. Every memory made with her will forever be treasured.

Maria is survived by her daughters, Bianka DeLaney, Syrenata (Steven) Talvy, and Myranda (Smith) Long; grandchildren, Brandan DeLaney, Zachary Talvy, Heidi Fast, Jennifer (Jason) McIntyre, Ashley (DJ) Mead, and Lindsay (Cy) Willavize; great grandchildren, D. Tyler Sullivan, Ryland, Hudson and Beckham McIntyre, Jaylin and Kelsie Mead, and Vanna and CJ Willavize.

She was preceded in death by her father, Otto Gogelein, her step-father and mother, Alfred and Babette Schmidt, her husband, Andrzej Pytlowany, and her son, Taras Pytlowany.

Arrangements were entrusted to Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US Hwy 27 N. Marshall, MI 49068. A private family visitation took place on November 26, with a private burial on November 29 at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall. Please visit https:// www.kempffuneralhome.com to view the online obituary, sign the guest book, or leave messages for the family.