Donata Radecki

Radecki, Donata Marie, age 90, beloved wife, mother and grandmother, passed away on May 10, 2013, as the result of complications stemming from an accidental fall in her home on February 20, 2013. Donata put up a valiant and courageous struggle until she took her last breath, surrounded by her loving family. Donata was born on April 2, 1923 in Sandomierz, Poland, to Adam and Maria Jakubowski. Donata was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward, by her parents, her brother Edmund Jakubowski, and by her sister-in-law Helen Jakubowski. Donata is survived by her three children Patricia Timothy Sedore, Barbara Patrick Kelley and Edward Laurel. Donata is the dearest "Nanny" of Alicia, Kathleen, Michael Ashley and Deirdre Kelley, and of Samantha and Louis Radecki. In addition, Donata is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends. Donata was a homemaker who was devoted to her family. Donata especially enjoyed spending one-on-one time with each of her grandchildren by hosting week-long sleepovers, attending recitals and athletic events, and making sure they always knew how much she loved them. Her kitchen wall bears the marks that track the growth of each child and grandchild through recorded heights and ages, and her house is adorned with photos of her immediate and extended family. Donata reveled in any opportunity to spend time at family gatherings to catch up with extended family and meet any new additions. Donata enjoyed gardening and cooking, and her children continue to replicate her recipes. Favorites include her Szczaw soup and Pineapple Cheesecake which was always requested at family gatherings and club meetings. She was always searching for flowers to press for homemade greeting cards, which her family and friends cherished. For 18 years, Donata cooked a chicken dinner every day for Pepito, the beloved, yet cantankerous family dog. Donata volunteered for years at the Detroit Zoo and at the Detroit Institute of Arts. She also volunteered to sit with Alzheimer's patients to give reprieve to family members, as well as spent countless hours providing companionship to friends who had terminal cancer. She gave her time to many community organizations. She served as President of both the Huntington Woods Study and Senior Clubs and as Treasurer of the HW Seed and Sod Club, as well as presided over the annual 4th of July pancake breakfast enlisting all available family members to help serve. In recognition of her tireless efforts to serve the community, she was elected Michigan Senior Citizen of the Year in 2001 and was honored at a dinner for over 800 Michigan seniors at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. All who knew her would agree that she was the "Commander In Chief" in any situation. Donata was preceded in death by her loving husband, Edward. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends. We love you, mom. Visitation Sunday 1-8:30 p.m. with a 7 p.m. scripture service at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Rd. 4 blks. E of Woodward, Royal Oak. In state Monday 10:30 a.m. until time of Mass 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church, Berkley. Memorials to the Capuchins are appreciated. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.