Mary
Mary L. Brylowski
Mary Louise Brylowski, bibliophile, world-traveler, educator, and bonafide spitfire, passed away January 6, 2017 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s.
Mary was born in 1937 to Amy and Wellington Lewis in Orchard, Iowa and grew up there along with her brothers Jim and Bob. After graduating from Osage High School in 1954, Mary left for Grinnell College. Grinnell was a transformative time for Mary, and she would often talk of her time there. Mary made it a point to attend as many class reunions as she could.
After college, Mary moved to Michigan, purchased ‘Sir Gallahad’ her Triumph TR3, and began her teaching career in Battle Creek. It was during this time that Mary met her future husband Arthur Brylowski, when they both raced cars in the local sports car circuit. Ice racing on Gun Lake was something they both enjoyed, even after Mary intentionally dumped Art’s car into a snowbank after a disagreement one afternoon. Mary and Art were married in 1961 and moved to Alamo Township.
After spending several years home with her children, Mary returned to teaching at Alamo Elementary where she taught third grade for Otsego Public Schools for over 20 years. Mary loved teaching and was always looking for new ways to bring the best from her students. She was instrumental in starting local participation in Odyssey of the Mind, and volunteered as a judge at the local and state level many times. The friends Mary made during her career remained her cohorts and companions for many years.
After retiring, Mary embarked on travels around the world as a Global Volunteer. Mary rocked babies in Romanian orphanages, painted school buildings in the Cook Islands, caught fish in South Africa, and taught English to teenagers in Italy. She saw the Northern Lights in Iceland, kangaroos in the Australian Outback, nomadic herdsmen on the Mongolian steppes, glaciers in New Zealand, walked on the Great Wall in China and saw polar bears in Greenland and more.
In-between her journeys abroad, Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, crafting with her friends, enjoying the occasional glasses of wine, shopping for interesting gifts, and volunteering in her grandkids’ elementary schools.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jim and her husband, Arthur. She is survived by her daughter, Amy and her children, Abigail, William and Margaret; her son, Phillip (Sara) and their children, Catherine, Owen, Liam, Gavin and Eleanor; her son Andrew (Kim) and their children, Jacob and Natalie; her son, James (Jennifer) and their children, Cameron and Kristen; her brother, Bob (Ann); and several nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
A private graveside service will take place at Alamo Center Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association
.
Messages of condolence may be left at
WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Mary L. Brylowski
Condolence Messages
Sandy Leversee
January 8, 2017 at 6:44 pm
One fine lady. I worked with this dedicated teacher several years. To know her is to love ❤️ her.
Reply
Susan Montgomery
January 8, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Dear Amy, Phil, Andy and James:
My thoughts are with all of you. How sad we all are. Mary was a wonderful person. She was absolutely a favorite cousin, and I will cherish all my happy memories of her.
love Susan
Reply
Lois Vazquez
January 8, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Our moms are probably having a nice cup of coffee tonight in Heaven. What a legacy of life-long learning your parents modeled for everyone. Born naturalists and innovators, your family usually had exciting and ongoing experiments, inventions, constructions, animals, plants, homemade icecream, and dandelion wine. I have many happy memories of your mom. I admired her so much; Always will. Your dad was wonderful, too. Such a good friend to my dad.
Thinking of your family now as you all go on, and so happy Mary is now at peace.
Reply
Mary Rice
January 8, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Amy I am so sorry for your loss. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. My grandfather died from it in 1997. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Buffy Welch
January 8, 2017 at 7:50 pm
Amy,Phil,Andy & Jamie
I am so sorry for your loss. I always just loved your mom. Her sense of humor was second to none.
Know you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Reply
Diris
January 8, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Amy
Very sorry to hear of your mom. Thank you for sharing the photos posted and the times you had time to spend together. You’re a great daughter. Aloha
Reply
Jill Barclay
January 8, 2017 at 8:49 pm
Amy, I have followed your pictures on FB of your visits with your mom and her love of donuts. Now that I have read what she did with her life I strive to BE her. What a life well lived! I can imagine the stories she shared and what a blessing those must be to have as you learn to live without her physical presence.
Blessings to you and your family,
Jill
Reply
Verlen & Judy Miller
January 8, 2017 at 10:24 pm
To all the Brylowski family: We are sorry for your loss. We have lots of fond memories of Mary and her influence of Alamo!
Reply
Penelope Schellenberg
January 8, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Prayer’s to your family. Mary was a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of her.
Blessings
Reply
Sandy Leversee
January 8, 2017 at 10:44 pm
Mary was a special lady. A very committed teacher and friend to all. She will live on in all her students and all of us who loved her. Prayers for the family. If she could speak to her family she would say “Don’t cry for me I am in a better place. “.
Reply
Janelle Turner Oberhill
January 9, 2017 at 8:49 am
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time. I have such fond memories of Mary. Spitfire indeed. She even went on spring break with us! We were the middle aged women from hell! She will be missed.
Reply
Heather Lincoln
January 9, 2017 at 10:16 am
Although I was never personally a student, my younger sister was. Your mother changed the lives of so many students for the better at a very impressionable age. She set the stage and the standard for influencing with positivity and creativity.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for the struggle she endured and your loss.
God Bless.
Reply
Tera (Fisher) Kinnane
January 9, 2017 at 10:51 am
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of one of my favorite teachers and OM coaches. I treasure many memories of Mrs. B. and wish to express my condolences to her family. She was an amazing lady and I was blessed to have known her, been taught and encouraged by her.
Reply
Patty (Rector) Chapman
January 9, 2017 at 11:34 am
To the Brylowski Family:
I am so sorry for the loss of this amazing woman you all have known as Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother and Cousin. I had the great privilege of working with her at Alamo plus working with many of her grandchildren. A very special family indeed. She has left a great legacy for all of you. God bless and hugs!!!
Reply
Lori Burrows
January 9, 2017 at 11:34 am
Mary was a treasure for OPS and the world — when I met her the first time she made me feel as if we had been friends forever!! May you continue your love of life and knowledge in heaven as you did here on earth !! I was the lucky one for being introduced to such a wonderful human being !
Reply
Kathy Stratton
January 9, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Our thoughts and prayers for all of the Brylowski family. Mary was a great neighbor, teacher for all of our children and friend. Her educating skills will be remembered by Alamo kids for a long time, as well as her delightful personality!
Reply
Julie Betzler
January 9, 2017 at 5:01 pm
My first memories of Mrs. Brylowski span back to when I was in her 3rd grade class, 1977-1978. Oh what fun 3rd grade was! I was then privileged to get to know her as she volunteered her time at the First Presbyterian Church Health Clinic where I worked. We laughed about how she had me sit in the front row frequently due to my ongoing chatter. My best memory of Mrs. Brylowski was when she SURPRISED me and arrived at my wedding in Italy in Jan. 2000. She touched my life in so many ways and I am grateful for her!
Reply
Laura Ketchum
January 10, 2017 at 1:37 am
Mrs. Brylowski was my 3rd grade teacher (while she taught at Dix Street Elementary) in the early 90s. She was instrumental in my love of reading and learning! I will never forget her – she was an amazing lady. What a life!! I’m so glad she visited so many countries and I’m not at all surprised about the incredible impact she continued to have on the people around her.
My deepest condolences,
Laura
Reply
Mark Stafford
January 10, 2017 at 11:28 am
I was one of the hundreds of students fortunate to be in Mrs. Brylowski’s 3rd grade class but somehow she took the time to get to know me and connect with me. As Laura mentioned, she always encouraged reading, and I remember devouring book after book in her classroom.
In fact, 3rd grade was so impactful for me that I can still recall the layout of the classroom with clarity thirty-some years later.
I was also privileged to be part of the Odyssey of the Mind program for many years, and I have memory after memory of Mrs. Brylowski challenging me through that program, pushing me to seek answers and think creatively.
She will truly be missed.
Reply
Mary Lou Boughton
January 10, 2017 at 2:48 pm
She was a great part of Sunday School at First Presbyterian for years – one of the teachers my mom knew she could always count on! Now, after enduring a difficult time with a horrible disease, she is healed into eternity and is at peace. Thanks be to God. Peace to all of you as your mourn her passing and remember a wonderful woman!
Reply
Larry E Collier
January 10, 2017 at 8:20 pm
Mary was one of a kind and always kept me honest. She will be missed, but her influence will live on.
Reply
Steve & Sally Laws
January 11, 2017 at 3:43 pm
James & Jenny,
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you & your family
Reply
Gary and Barb Rhoades
January 11, 2017 at 5:16 pm
She was a wonderful teacher and one classy lady. Prayers for you and your family.
Reply
Joe and Kelly (Hare) Sherwood
January 12, 2017 at 10:20 am
Andy and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Reply
Mike and Kathy VanSparrentak
January 12, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Sending our prayers to all of you. She was such a great teacher. Our son Corey loved her as a teacher.
Reply
Fay and Ron Tvetene
January 13, 2017 at 1:24 pm
I am part of Mary’s extended family on her Mom’s side. She was so pro family and was a big part of our “Willey” reunions. I am so sorry to here of her passing. It is ironic that her cousin, Kay, and Mary both died on Jan. 6th although several years apart. All of you are in my prayers and thoughts but I have no doubt she and other family members who have passed are having a ball together. She has a big smile on her face.
Reply
Rev. Dan Minor
January 14, 2017 at 2:04 pm
It has been said the love of a mother is seen in her children and grandchildren.. This was certainly the case for Mary. While I did not know her personally, I see her love in Jim & Jennifer, Cam & Kristen. May God comfort you all. Rev. Dan Minor
Reply
Ruby
January 14, 2017 at 10:09 pm
Mrs. Brylowski was my 3rd grade teacher at dix street elementary school in the year of 92 and 93. I beleive. May she rest in peace and prayers for the family at this time.
Reply
Darlene (Shoger) Anderson
January 25, 2017 at 5:16 pm
My sympathy to Mary Lou’s family and friends. We were high school classmates in Osage, Iowa.
Reply
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Mary was born in 1937 to Amy and Wellington Lewis in Orchard, Iowa and grew up there along with her brothers Jim and Bob. After graduating from Osage High School in 1954, Mary left for Grinnell College. Grinnell was a transformative time for Mary, and she would often talk of her time there. Mary made it a point to attend as many class reunions as she could.
After college, Mary moved to Michigan, purchased ‘Sir Gallahad’ her Triumph TR3, and began her teaching career in Battle Creek. It was during this time that Mary met her future husband Arthur Brylowski, when they both raced cars in the local sports car circuit. Ice racing on Gun Lake was something they both enjoyed, even after Mary intentionally dumped Art’s car into a snowbank after a disagreement one afternoon. Mary and Art were married in 1961 and moved to Alamo Township.
After spending several years home with her children, Mary returned to teaching at Alamo Elementary where she taught third grade for Otsego Public Schools for over 20 years. Mary loved teaching and was always looking for new ways to bring the best from her students. She was instrumental in starting local participation in Odyssey of the Mind, and volunteered as a judge at the local and state level many times. The friends Mary made during her career remained her cohorts and companions for many years.
After retiring, Mary embarked on travels around the world as a Global Volunteer. Mary rocked babies in Romanian orphanages, painted school buildings in the Cook Islands, caught fish in South Africa, and taught English to teenagers in Italy. She saw the Northern Lights in Iceland, kangaroos in the Australian Outback, nomadic herdsmen on the Mongolian steppes, glaciers in New Zealand, walked on the Great Wall in China and saw polar bears in Greenland and more.
In-between her journeys abroad, Mary enjoyed spending time with her family, crafting with her friends, enjoying the occasional glasses of wine, shopping for interesting gifts, and volunteering in her grandkids’ elementary schools.
Mary is preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Jim and her husband, Arthur. She is survived by her daughter, Amy and her children, Abigail, William and Margaret; her son, Phillip (Sara) and their children, Catherine, Owen, Liam, Gavin and Eleanor; her son Andrew (Kim) and their children, Jacob and Natalie; her son, James (Jennifer) and their children, Cameron and Kristen; her brother, Bob (Ann); and several nieces and nephews.
According to her wishes cremation has taken place.
A private graveside service will take place at Alamo Center Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in Mary’s memory can be made to the
Alzheimer’s Association
.
Messages of condolence may be left at
WinkelFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Mary L. Brylowski
Condolence Messages
Sandy Leversee
January 8, 2017 at 6:44 pm
One fine lady. I worked with this dedicated teacher several years. To know her is to love ❤️ her.
Reply
Susan Montgomery
January 8, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Dear Amy, Phil, Andy and James:
My thoughts are with all of you. How sad we all are. Mary was a wonderful person. She was absolutely a favorite cousin, and I will cherish all my happy memories of her.
love Susan
Reply
Lois Vazquez
January 8, 2017 at 7:35 pm
Our moms are probably having a nice cup of coffee tonight in Heaven. What a legacy of life-long learning your parents modeled for everyone. Born naturalists and innovators, your family usually had exciting and ongoing experiments, inventions, constructions, animals, plants, homemade icecream, and dandelion wine. I have many happy memories of your mom. I admired her so much; Always will. Your dad was wonderful, too. Such a good friend to my dad.
Thinking of your family now as you all go on, and so happy Mary is now at peace.
Reply
Mary Rice
January 8, 2017 at 7:48 pm
Amy I am so sorry for your loss. Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease. My grandfather died from it in 1997. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Reply
Buffy Welch
January 8, 2017 at 7:50 pm
Amy,Phil,Andy & Jamie
I am so sorry for your loss. I always just loved your mom. Her sense of humor was second to none.
Know you’re in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Reply
Diris
January 8, 2017 at 8:41 pm
Amy
Very sorry to hear of your mom. Thank you for sharing the photos posted and the times you had time to spend together. You’re a great daughter. Aloha
Reply
Jill Barclay
January 8, 2017 at 8:49 pm
Amy, I have followed your pictures on FB of your visits with your mom and her love of donuts. Now that I have read what she did with her life I strive to BE her. What a life well lived! I can imagine the stories she shared and what a blessing those must be to have as you learn to live without her physical presence.
Blessings to you and your family,
Jill
Reply
Verlen & Judy Miller
January 8, 2017 at 10:24 pm
To all the Brylowski family: We are sorry for your loss. We have lots of fond memories of Mary and her influence of Alamo!
Reply
Penelope Schellenberg
January 8, 2017 at 10:34 pm
Prayer’s to your family. Mary was a wonderful person. I have many fond memories of her.
Blessings
Reply
Sandy Leversee
January 8, 2017 at 10:44 pm
Mary was a special lady. A very committed teacher and friend to all. She will live on in all her students and all of us who loved her. Prayers for the family. If she could speak to her family she would say “Don’t cry for me I am in a better place. “.
Reply
Janelle Turner Oberhill
January 9, 2017 at 8:49 am
My thoughts and prayers are with your entire family at this time. I have such fond memories of Mary. Spitfire indeed. She even went on spring break with us! We were the middle aged women from hell! She will be missed.
Reply
Heather Lincoln
January 9, 2017 at 10:16 am
Although I was never personally a student, my younger sister was. Your mother changed the lives of so many students for the better at a very impressionable age. She set the stage and the standard for influencing with positivity and creativity.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for the struggle she endured and your loss.
God Bless.
Reply
Tera (Fisher) Kinnane
January 9, 2017 at 10:51 am
I’m sorry to hear of the passing of one of my favorite teachers and OM coaches. I treasure many memories of Mrs. B. and wish to express my condolences to her family. She was an amazing lady and I was blessed to have known her, been taught and encouraged by her.
Reply
Patty (Rector) Chapman
January 9, 2017 at 11:34 am
To the Brylowski Family:
I am so sorry for the loss of this amazing woman you all have known as Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother and Cousin. I had the great privilege of working with her at Alamo plus working with many of her grandchildren. A very special family indeed. She has left a great legacy for all of you. God bless and hugs!!!
Reply
Lori Burrows
January 9, 2017 at 11:34 am
Mary was a treasure for OPS and the world — when I met her the first time she made me feel as if we had been friends forever!! May you continue your love of life and knowledge in heaven as you did here on earth !! I was the lucky one for being introduced to such a wonderful human being !
Reply
Kathy Stratton
January 9, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Our thoughts and prayers for all of the Brylowski family. Mary was a great neighbor, teacher for all of our children and friend. Her educating skills will be remembered by Alamo kids for a long time, as well as her delightful personality!
Reply
Julie Betzler
January 9, 2017 at 5:01 pm
My first memories of Mrs. Brylowski span back to when I was in her 3rd grade class, 1977-1978. Oh what fun 3rd grade was! I was then privileged to get to know her as she volunteered her time at the First Presbyterian Church Health Clinic where I worked. We laughed about how she had me sit in the front row frequently due to my ongoing chatter. My best memory of Mrs. Brylowski was when she SURPRISED me and arrived at my wedding in Italy in Jan. 2000. She touched my life in so many ways and I am grateful for her!
Reply
Laura Ketchum
January 10, 2017 at 1:37 am
Mrs. Brylowski was my 3rd grade teacher (while she taught at Dix Street Elementary) in the early 90s. She was instrumental in my love of reading and learning! I will never forget her – she was an amazing lady. What a life!! I’m so glad she visited so many countries and I’m not at all surprised about the incredible impact she continued to have on the people around her.
My deepest condolences,
Laura
Reply
Mark Stafford
January 10, 2017 at 11:28 am
I was one of the hundreds of students fortunate to be in Mrs. Brylowski’s 3rd grade class but somehow she took the time to get to know me and connect with me. As Laura mentioned, she always encouraged reading, and I remember devouring book after book in her classroom.
In fact, 3rd grade was so impactful for me that I can still recall the layout of the classroom with clarity thirty-some years later.
I was also privileged to be part of the Odyssey of the Mind program for many years, and I have memory after memory of Mrs. Brylowski challenging me through that program, pushing me to seek answers and think creatively.
She will truly be missed.
Reply
Mary Lou Boughton
January 10, 2017 at 2:48 pm
She was a great part of Sunday School at First Presbyterian for years – one of the teachers my mom knew she could always count on! Now, after enduring a difficult time with a horrible disease, she is healed into eternity and is at peace. Thanks be to God. Peace to all of you as your mourn her passing and remember a wonderful woman!
Reply
Larry E Collier
January 10, 2017 at 8:20 pm
Mary was one of a kind and always kept me honest. She will be missed, but her influence will live on.
Reply
Steve & Sally Laws
January 11, 2017 at 3:43 pm
James & Jenny,
So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers to you & your family
Reply
Gary and Barb Rhoades
January 11, 2017 at 5:16 pm
She was a wonderful teacher and one classy lady. Prayers for you and your family.
Reply
Joe and Kelly (Hare) Sherwood
January 12, 2017 at 10:20 am
Andy and family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Reply
Mike and Kathy VanSparrentak
January 12, 2017 at 1:21 pm
Sending our prayers to all of you. She was such a great teacher. Our son Corey loved her as a teacher.
Reply
Fay and Ron Tvetene
January 13, 2017 at 1:24 pm
I am part of Mary’s extended family on her Mom’s side. She was so pro family and was a big part of our “Willey” reunions. I am so sorry to here of her passing. It is ironic that her cousin, Kay, and Mary both died on Jan. 6th although several years apart. All of you are in my prayers and thoughts but I have no doubt she and other family members who have passed are having a ball together. She has a big smile on her face.
Reply
Rev. Dan Minor
January 14, 2017 at 2:04 pm
It has been said the love of a mother is seen in her children and grandchildren.. This was certainly the case for Mary. While I did not know her personally, I see her love in Jim & Jennifer, Cam & Kristen. May God comfort you all. Rev. Dan Minor
Reply
Ruby
January 14, 2017 at 10:09 pm
Mrs. Brylowski was my 3rd grade teacher at dix street elementary school in the year of 92 and 93. I beleive. May she rest in peace and prayers for the family at this time.
Reply
Darlene (Shoger) Anderson
January 25, 2017 at 5:16 pm
My sympathy to Mary Lou’s family and friends. We were high school classmates in Osage, Iowa.
Reply
Leave a Condolence
Cancel reply
Please share your message of condolence with the family, It will be visible to the public but your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked
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