Mary J. Openkowski, 95 years of Monroe, MI passed away Wednesday, August 8, 2007 at 12:45 PM in Tendercare of Monroe where she had been since her health began to fail 3 months ago. Mary was born October 7, 1911 in Southwest Strickler, PA the daughter of the late Theodore and Anna (Bazuk) Rafko they moved to Monroe in 1927. On July 22, 1939 Mary married Michael A. Openkowski at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe, Fr. John Vanadia officiated. Sadly he preceded her in death on February 28, 1971. Mary was a graduate of the Northwest School of Nursing in Toledo, OH. Mary worked as a LPN at Memorial Hospital in Monroe for 11 years retiring in 1974. Mary also worked in the Grandparents Program at Boysville for 23 years retiring in 2006. Mary was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and it's Christian Women's group and a volunteer at Mercy Memorial Hospital. An avid reader, Mary also enjoyed crocheting, quilting, reading, cooking and taking care of children. Mary is survived by her loving daughter Michael Diana "Cookie" Peer of Monroe, a sister, Ann Stihler of Monroe, a grandson, John Michael Peer a granddaughter, Tammy Marie Peer and a great grandson Dustin Michael Peer-Hahn. In addition to her parents and husband Mary was preceded in death by 2 sisters; Rose and Helen and 3 brothers; Charles, Buck and John. Visitation for Mary will be held on Saturday from 4-8 PM and Sunday from 2-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home where funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Monday, August 13, 2007 at 10:00 AM. A Scripture Service will be held Sunday at 5:00 PM. Fr. William Fisher pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Monroe will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery in Monroe. Memorial contributions may be made to Boysville of Monroe.