Marco Fortuna Jr., 81, of Southgate, Michigan, has completed his life journey and has been called home by his Savior, Jesus Christ. Marco died peacefully in his home on Sunday, September 10th, 2023, after a recent diagnosis of cancer. He was surrounded by his family – loving wife of 52 years Doris Fortuna and his two sons.

The family invites you to drop in and visit at the Memorial Visitation on Wednesday, September 13th from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm (Rosary service 6 pm to 7:00 pm) at Molnar Funeral Home Nixon Chapel located at 2544 Biddle Avenue in Wyandotte, Michigan (734-284-1600, https://molnarfuneralhomes.com/).

Donations may be made in Marco’s honor to one of his favorite charities: Smile Train (https://www.smiletrain.org/) or Christian Appalachian Project (https://www.christianapp.org/).

A Catholic Franciscan Order Celebration Mass will be held on Thursday, September 14th, 10:00 am at St. Joseph Church, 334 Elm Street in Wyandotte, Michigan (734-285-9840). Please come as you are – casual attire is fine. Friend and priest Father Charles Morris will be officiating. Fellow Fransican members will assist in the service.

Following the celebration mass, burial will be at Mount Carmel Cemetery located at 900 Ford Avenue, Wyandotte, Michigan.

The family asks that you join them for fellowship and a meal at Hungarian Rhapsody in Southgate immediately after the burial around 12 PM.

Marco was born in Wayne County, Detroit, Michigan, on June 22, 1942, to Marco Fortuna Sr. and Elizabeth Fortuna. He graduated from Pershing High School in Detroit. Marco dutifully served his country for 3 years in the Army’s 13th Infantry Division. He was stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky; in South Korea; and at Fort Gordon in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated college from Wayne State University with a baccalaureate degree in accounting. Marco married Doris on August 27th, 1971.

Marco was a loyal and dedicated employee for the Chrysler McGraw glass plant in Detroit, Michigan.

Marco was a faithful, humble, and generous Christian. He was raised and baptized in the Catholic faith tradition. He was a faithful member of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Wyandotte, Michigan, until its doors closed. He served as an usher, Eucharistic server, lay reader, lay deacon, prayer warrior, life in the spirit leader, and many more unofficial roles. He was a current member of St. Joseph’s church. He was a fervent member of the Secular Franciscan Order since 2009. Marco was a true example of being a shining light for Jesus. He was generous and always friendly. Marco helped and prayed for others.

Marco was a great husband, father, and spiritual leader of his family. He loved being a grandfather to his five grandchildren. He made a noticeable impact in the lives of his family and friends.

Marco is survived by his wife, Doris Fortuna; sons Phillip Fortuna and Kenneth Fortuna (Rachel); his sister, Mary Massie; and grandchildren Dalton Fortuna, Zachary Fortuna, Bethany Fortuna, Caleb Fortuna, and Bailey Fortuna.

We are thankful to family, friends, and neighbors who supported Marco and his family during his last days. We were blessed to have a great hospice team, Beaumont Hospice, and especially nurse Patty.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.” John 3:16

Age 70 of Taylor.

Beloved wife of the late Gary Mackey Sr. and the late John Leszczynski.  Loving mother of Gary (Jody) Mackey, Mitchell Mackey, and Scott (Kim) Mackey.  Dearest grandmother of Nicholas Mackey.  Dear sister of Kathy (Bill) Heinle, Ken (Chris) Matschikowski, Marlene (Bob) Cain, Carol Matschikowski, Sandy Loewe. Also survied by beloved pet Barkley.  Preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Elizabeth Matschikowski and brother, Chris Matschikowski.

Cremation will take place at The On-Site Crematory, located within Molnar Funeral Homes – Brownstown Chapel.

Helen Gertrude Bialy was born August 20, 1924, in Wyandotte, Michigan. She was one of six children born from the union of Frank and Casimiera (Warda) Bialy. Helen attended St. Stanislaus Kostka grade school and graduated from Roosevelt High School with the class of 1941. She married William J. Nester in 1944 and adopted three children from Catholic Charities. Helen loved being a stay-at-home mom caring for her dear loving husband and children. They spent many happy times with both sides of their very close families. She found her second career calling in the 1970’s selling Tupperware to help with the family income when “Bill” had a debilitating neck surgery that kept him from work temporarily. She loved the product and enjoyed her home parties for 25 years. She navigated the challenging business landscape with determination and grace, building a loyal customer base through her exceptional sales skills and infectious enthusiasm.

When Bill surprised the family by bringing home a small camper trailer one day, Helen was leery of the whole camping scene. One camping trip later she was hooked, and she reveled in watching her family enjoy every aspect of the outdoor life! When Bill sadly passed away in 1981, she sold the camper and found new enjoyment in socializing with parish friends at festivals and polish dances.  She met the second love of her life Henry in 1984 at one of these social gatherings. They dated and danced for five years until they married in 1989 at St Stans.  During their happy and active thirty-four year marriage, Helen and her husband shared a passion for travel. Las Vegas held a special place in their hearts, becoming a frequent getaway for the couple. They embarked on seven memorable cruises, exploring different corners of the world together. A trip to Poland allowed them to embrace their heritage and create lifelong memories. Additionally, they went on numerous bus trips, traversing the vast landscapes of the United States.

One couldn’t think of Helen without picturing her and her beloved husband, Henry, dressed alike, twinning in their outfits not only on nights they went dancing but also, on every occasion they stepped out together. Their synchronized fashion sense represented the deep bond they shared, a true testament to their affection to each other.

Helen’s culinary prowess was unmatched. She found immense joy in preparing delicious meals for her family, making her home the go-to destination for all holiday gatherings. Her signature city chicken or pork roast, slow cooked to perfection, roast beef accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes and savory gravy, and a side of canned corn, became legendary among friends and relatives.

Known for her unyielding faith, Helen was a devout Catholic who instilled in her children the same values of her religion. She raised her family with love, compassion, and a solid moral compass, nurturing their hearts and souls alongside her husband.

Even in death, Helen’s spirit remained as strong-willed as ever. She faced her final days with the same stubborn determination that defined her life. Helen G. Piwowar, age 98, of Wyandotte passed away Thursday August 3, 2023, while under the care of Henry Ford Hospice. In addition to her passing, she is preceded by her first husband: Willam (Bill) J. Nester; three sisters: Mary Karasienski, Cassie Grupczynski, Genevieve Burtka, Irene Kuzmiak; two brothers: John Bialy, Stanley Bialy; and son: Timothy F. Nester.

Left to cherish her memory, she leaves her husband: Henry; four children: Bill (Noreen) Nester, Jean Ann Boyes, Daniel (Nancy) Piwowar, Yvonne Berry-Piwowar; seven grandchildren: Alex (Jodi Ferlito) Boyes, Jarod Boyes, Keith Boyes, Joe Johnson, Jonathan Berry, Kara Gelven, Kevin (Jordan) Piwowar, and five great grandchildren.