Ila Mae Kwiecinski, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 18, 2025, in her home in Westland, Michigan. Born on May 24, 1931, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the late Alexander and Bernadette Brunell, she was a cherished sister to Rhea Brunell and the late James, Fred, and Robert Brunell. Ila's life was a testament to her unwavering spirit and her ability to touch the hearts of all who knew her.

In 1950, Ila graduated from St. Patrick Catholic School in Wyandotte and soon after exchanged vows with her beloved husband, Eugene "Skip" Kwiecinski, at St. Alfred Catholic Church. Their love story spanned an impressive 69 years, a journey of companionship and mutual devotion. Together, they raised a beautiful family, including their children Susan (Johnny) Rodriguez, Jeanne (Darryl) Lobzun, Kathryn Kwiecinski, Richard (Renee) Kwiecinski, Marianne (John) Lynch, Eileen Kwiecinski, and Michael (Brenda) Kwiecinski. She was a proud grandmother to Shane Lobzun, Meghan (James) McCord, Heather (Ben) Smith, Beth Kwiecinski, Nadine Kwiecinski, and Eva Kwiecinski, and a doting great-grandmother to Jonathan McCord, Collin McCord, Madison Lobzun, Mackenzie Lobzun, and Lyle Smith.

Ila's career as a retail salesperson at K-Mart was marked by her dedication and hard work, traits that she carried into her retirement. Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her. She was very involved at St. Richard Catholic Church, where she was a member of St. Richard's Senior group. Her commitment to service shone through her volunteer work and her role as secretary for St. Vincent dePaul.

Ila developed a love for crafts, baking, art, gardening, crosswords, reading, and cake decorating. Her hands were rarely still, always creating something beautiful or delicious for her family and friends. She was known for her ability to make others laugh, and her humor was notable by family and friends. She was known as the best neighborhood mom, a title she wore with great joy.

To many, Ila was the closest thing to an angel they could've known. Her life was a reflection of the words that best described her: faith-filled, loving, and selfless. Her legacy will continue to flourish in the lives of those she touched, and her memory will be treasured forever.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Angela Hospice, the Wounded Warriors Project, or EWTN.

IN MEMORIUM

Eugene Anthony "Skip" Kwiecinski passed peacefully from this life on September 24, 2019, surrounded by his family at his home, at the age of 89.  His loving wife of 69 years, Ila Mae (Brunell) Kwiecinski survived him.  He is also survived by seven children, six grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.  He is lovingly and fondly remembered by his children: Susan (Johnny) Rodriguez, Jeanne (Darryl) Lobzun, Kathryn Kwiecinski, Richard (Renee) Kwiecinski, Marianne (John) Lynch, Eileen Kwiecinski, and Michael (Brenda) Kwiecinski, also by his grandchildren Shane Lobzun, Beth Kwiecinski, Meghan (James) McCord, Heather (Ben) Smith, Nadine Kwiecinski, and Eva Kwiecinski, and his great grandchildren Madison Lobzun, Mackenzie Lobzun, Jonathan McCord and Collin McCord.  He is predeceased by his parents, John and Maryanna (Savery) Kwiecinski and nine siblings.

Skip was a member of St. Richard Catholic Church and served as an officer in the local St. Vincent dePaul Society and member of the Seniors Club.  Gene was an avid computer guy, working for several large computer firms during the infancy of this new technology, and retiring as a top level analyst and Director of Computer Operations for Complete Auto Transit, Ryder Systems.  His hobbies over the years included woodworking, photography, Civil War and World War II history, and his family's genealogy.

Skip had a tender heart, a wonderful sense of humor, and a sometimes stern temperament, which made him both complex and lovable.  His favorite charity was St. Jude Children's Hospital.  He was a patriot of his country and a proud supporter of anything USMC.  He enjoyed classical music and often paused to revel in Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Rachmaninoff during holiday gatherings.

He is sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.  Go with God and Semper Fi.