Norma Lee Zawistowski

13, 2021 at Story Pointe in Rockford. Born in the small desert town of Pima, Arizona on March 8, 1937 the oldest child of Cecil and Dortha Peel.

Born during the Great Depression, Lee’s family moved around following work. In 1952, at the young age of 15, Lee was in Ocean View, California. It was here that a handsome young marine, named Bernard

Zawistowski walked into her life. Quickly smitten by the girl wearing jeans and saddle shoes, the young couple knew they were destined to be together. In 1955, in Lee’s hometown of Pima, they were united in marriage. It was a beautiful ceremony at Rose of Lima Catholic Church.

After Bernie was honorably discharged, the couple returned to Bernie’s roots in Michigan and settled in

Grand Rapids. As Bernie settled into his career, Lee raised their four children all while focusing on instilling a strong work ethic and rich faith into their family. The children won’t forget her homemade pizzas on Saturday and “hamburger Tuesdays”. When the children were older, Lee worked as a secretary for Carter Products, later spending her time working at The Angelus Religious Goods, touching the hearts of many with her kindness.

In her younger years Lee was an active member of St. Alphonsus Parish. She belonged to the Women’s

Guild and spent many years helping to make blankets and clothes for babies and children that were in need. Talented with a needle and thread, Lee made beautiful quilts and embroidered countless pictures, clothes and keepsakes.

Bowling was Lee’s sport, winning numerous awards and tournaments. Wednesday nights were reserved for her league at Northfield Bowling Lanes. She was frequently able to throw off her competition by bowling both, right and left handed.

Reading was a passion for Lee. She loved to read westerns and her favorite author was Louie L’Mour. She loved that he wrote about her family in of one his novels, he placed the story in Pima with a sheriff spending his days trying to catch the outlaw. Based on some true events, the sheriff and outlaw were related to each other, and to Lee’s family. She also loved the Arizona Highway magazine to keep her updated on her home.

With Cherokee Indian in her heritage, it was important to Lee that her family know about her family’s ancestry. She was always known to Bernie as his “Desert Girl”, for her love of Arizona and Native

American traits. She enjoyed the peacefulness of nature. Her beautiful flower gardens were the prettiest on the block. She loved to see the birds that flocked to the feeders, and the peaceful deer that grazed on the apples and corn she threw out to them.

Lee will be remembered for her beautiful and gracious spirit, her love of her family, and her deep dedication to her faith. A devoted wife, loving mother and caring grandmother, she will be missed by all who knew her.

Lee is survived by her children: Diana (Greg) Wiseman, Ronald (Jackie) Zawistowski, Brenda (Paul

Vandermeulen) Fischer and Janet (John) Fischer; her grandchildren: Brian Lowe, Rachael (Neil)

Witkowski, Jessica (Nick) Cote, Lauryn, Lynda & Michael Zawistowski, Nathaniel (Ryan Tubbs) Fischer,

Colin (Elizabeth) Fischer, Hanah (Matt) Vandermeulen, Jason (Lisa) Fischer, Emily (Doug) Dang and Alisha

(Jake) Parr; 17 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild; her sister Faye Stewart, and her brother Ronald (Evelyn) Peel as well as many other relatives.

Lee was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Bernard on May 28, 2021, her sister Betty

Matteer and her parents.

Mass of Christian will be held on Tuesday, May 3 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Chapel (2000 Walker NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504), officiated by Fr. Chung Tran.

Memorial donations in memory of Lee may be made to St. Bonaventure Indian Mission & School, PO Box

610, Thoreau, NM 87323-0610.