Margaret Doreen Hnatowsky

Margaret Doreen Hnatowsky, loving wife, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, sister and aunt passed away peacefully the evening of January 9, 2021 at the age of 87. The daughter of Morley and Margaret Parsons was born on November 7, 1933 in St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Raymond (Ray) Peter Hnatowsky and her brother Sheridan Parsons of St Johns, Newfoundland. She is survived by daughter Christine Hnatowsky (Craig), son Keith Hnatowsky (Jan) of Houston, TX, granddaughters Mandy Van Denend (Zach), daughters Everly and Saylor, granddaughter Stacey Collins (John) of Potomac Falls, VA, sons Declan and Camden, grandson Bret Neitzel (Ainslee), son Lucas, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Doreen was raised in St Johns where she ultimately met the love of her life, Ray, who was stationed there as part of the US Air Force. They were married in Birmingham AL and moved between Rome, NY (Ray’s hometown) and AL as they raised their two children, Chris and Keith. Ray’s job ultimately took the family to Grand Rapids MI. Ray’s health was impacted during his early years by a series of brain tumors which required Doreen to become the family matriarch. Her strength and courage were often tested, but she persevered as both the breadwinner and often times single parent until Ray’s untimely death at the age of 49. With the family finances greatly impacted, Doreen returned to work and over time was able to retire at the age of 62. In her retirement she enjoyed spending time with her family and dear friends as well as travelling to all parts of the country, including Europe. All her travels never topped a trip home to her beloved St Johns, Newfoundland. As many “Michiganders” do, she spent most of her winters in Florida until her mobility challenges prevented it. One of her special joys was having the entire family over for “Spaghetti Night”, her annual event. Doreen, being from Canada, kept her Canadian citizenship until recently when she realized how important it was for her to vote in the US. Getting her US citizenship was one of her life’s highlights. Doreen was a joy to be around. She was thoughtful, considerate and a friend to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by her loving family and those that had the opportunity to know her. The family wishes to thank the wonderful people at the Clark Retirement Community and the Emmanuel Hospice for the loving care of their mother and support of the family. Private services will be held at Rosedale Memorial Park, Grand Rapids MI. The family has requested that in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Clark Retirement Community of Grand Rapids, MI: https://clarkretirement.org/clark-foundation/giving-options/