Lila Mae Grabowski

She was born on June 26, 1925 in Evanston, Ill., daughter of Alvin and Iva (DeCamp) Ness. She graduated from Escanaba High School, class of 1943.

On Aug. 14, 1945, Lila married Clarence “Gyke” Grabowski at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Escanaba. They had been married for 71 years.

Lila was an active member of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Church. She was an avid speed skater in her earlier years, receiving championship awards in Michigan. She also enjoyed baking and cooking.

Lila is survived by her children, Iva Sue Karl of Tacoma, Wash., Alvin “Al” G. Grabowski of Escanaba, Keith (Bonnie) T. Grabowski of Escanaba, Sally Ann Robitaille of Escanaba and Mary Jo (Darryl) Schultz of Petoskey, Mich.; 13 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence on Nov. 13, 2016, her parents and daughter-in-law Donna Grabowski.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, June 19 at 12 p.m. at St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish with Rev. Eric Olson officiating.

Lila will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family would like to express a special thank you to mom’s special friend, Gaye Smaniotto, St. Francis Hospital, North Woods Place and Hospice of the UP Health System.

The Grabowski family is being assisted by the Skradski Family Funeral Home in Escanaba.

For additional information or to leave the family a message of condolence, go to www.skradskifuneralhomes.com.