Monica (Ruskowski) Borkowski

Monica Borkowski, age 80, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Friday, September 6th. She was surrounded by her loved ones, listening to her favorite music, with her beloved cat Chester by her side. 

Proceeded in death by her dear parents, Walter and JoannaRuskowski and her beloved husband of fifty-three years, Joseph Borkowski; as well as many siblings and friends. 

Growing up in Bay City, Michigan, Monica remembered her years their fondly and graduated from St. Stanislaus High School as a member of the Class of 1962. She lived her life for others, in particular, her three children, Rebecca Iwanus (Shawn)of Valparaiso, Indiana, Rachel Ricotta (John) of Plano, Texas and Molly Borkowski of Reed City, Michigan. In addition to her five grandchildren: Madison, Piper, and Cadence Iwanus and Holden and Bryn Ricotta. She was a true, loving mother, that gave everything that she had to her family and friends. Which also includes her cherished sister, Jane Kula and brother-in-law, Al, as well as their children Andy, Eric and Christopher and her brother Edward Ruskowski and his wife Ann. Her dear life-long friend Tina Nowak, as well as a multitude of additional friends,nieces, nephews, brothers, brother and sister-in laws. She was an amazing daughter, mother, wife, nana, aunt, and friend. 

Traveling was very close to her heart as she felt that was one way to grow a better connection with the world around her. To be able to experience different cultures and, in turn, people, fulfilled her deeply and was one of her favorite activities. She loved exploring all over Europe and the United States. In particular, Poland, her country of ancestry, Croatia, and Las Vegas were three of her favorite places. Moreover, she knew how to throw amazing dinner parties, where she loved welcoming one and all into her home, while cooking them her favorite foods. Many of us will miss her delectable pies and heart-warming food. The laughs and stories will always be remembered. 

Her life was blessed in many respects, and she always gave back to those that needed it, animals and people included. She gave to a multitude of charities that were close to her heart, mainly the local no-kill animal shelters and volunteered in her earlier years through her church, Saint Thomas Moore in Troy, Michigan, where she worked for Meals on Wheels. No person or animal was turned away if assistance was needed. A faithful Catholic to the end, she will continue to look over those that she loves from the other side and her family will continue her tradition of love and hospitality. 

She will be cremated, and a memorial service is being planned in Bay City, Michigan for both her and her treasured husband Joseph, the exact day has yet to be determined. 

“The love inside you take it with you.”

Professional arrangements are entrusted to White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN.

Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com. 

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