Mary Slezak Goschinski

Mary Slezak Goschinski passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025, in Gulf Shores, Alabama.

Born on November 29, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, to Walter and Mary Slezak, Mary lived a life defined by quiet strength, deep faith, and unconditional love. After marrying, she settled in Allen Park, Michigan, where she raised her family and remained until 2014. She then moved to Alabama to be near loved ones during her later years.

Mary’s life was grounded in faith as a devoted Catholic, which sustained her through joy and hardship alike. She displayed a remarkable resilience and grace, witnessing more than a century of change and meeting each chapter with wisdom, humility, and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Watson Goschinski; her sons, Robert Frank Goschinski and Gerald Charles Goschinski; and her sisters, Julia Skowron and Helen Sobutka. Their memory lived on in her heart every day.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Janet Glanding (Charles); her grandchildren, Craig Goschinski (Maryann), Heather Goschinski (Joshua), Sarah Clark (Joshua), Kimberly Glanding, and Christine Crooks (Kenneth); and eight cherished great-grandchildren: Dominic, Jagger, Legend, Jaxson, Mason, Riley, Katherine, and Emmett.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice and caregivers Marylynn, Amber, and Jessica for their loving care and support and Jan, her devoted sister in Christ, who said the rosary and administered communion faithfully every week for the past 18 months.

Mary was a gifted seamstress and found joy in simple pleasures—bowling well into her later years, playing dominos, and solving word searches. During her time in Alabama, she developed a love of bingo, playing 3 times a week and calling her daughter and granddaughters to report on her winnings (and losings). Her recorded phone messages will be cherished. Her greatest joy, however, was in the presence of family, where her love and example left an enduring legacy. She was a quiet, steady presence whose faith and generosity shaped generations.

A service will be held later this month in Alabama, with a Celebration of Life to follow in Michigan this fall.