Blanca Rosa Brudzinski

Blanca Brudzinski was born in Puebla, Mexico on August 30, 1930, to Antonio Garcia Palacio and Ana Maria Garcia Rosete. She was the beloved wife of the late Bernard Brudzinski, and loving mother of Chuck, Albert, Cathy (John), and Danny. She was the most treasured grandmother of Blanca (Tim), Keith, Carla (Kyle), Dillon, John (Gabriela), Kateri (David), and Nikita (Matt), and great-grandmother of Lukas, Nolan, Rory, Logan, Alex, Kairi, and Mia. She was the loving sister of the late Antonio, Carmen, Ana Maria, Jaime, Hugo, and Olga. She is survived by her dear youngest sister Fabiola (Javier), and extended family and friends that she continued to keep in touch with, even in these last weeks.

Blanca enjoyed an easy life in Mexico, being a part of privileged society. She participated in traditional Mexican dancing, played baseball, tennis, and had many friends. In her early twenties, Blanca was introduced to Bernard Brudzinski, a first generation Polish American, with little background to speak of, and only his local parish priest to vouch for him when he asked to marry her. They married in 1954, in Mexico, and she left for Detroit, Michigan with Bernard who she always called “Honey.” Mexico was never far from her mind; she stayed connected with her family and friends on the telephone, and Honey made sure she was able to visit them every year.

In Detroit, she and Honey initially lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Sophie and Felix. She learned English, how to cook and clean, and how to be an American housewife. Their first child, Walter, affectionately nicknamed Chuck, was born, and they moved into their home on Grandville. She and Honey made this house a home, welcoming three more children: Albert, Cathy, and Danny. They enjoyed hosting weekly gatherings of friends, family, and neighbors. Everyone was always welcome, and their home was a haven for many. They were thrilled to have visitors anytime and were the best hosts. Love flowed from their house like a beacon on the street. To say Mimi was a social butterfly would be an understatement; she thrived on gatherings of friends and family, and never turned a visitor away unless they were trying to sell her something or convert her religion.

When the grandchildren arrived, she forever more became known as Mimi. It was a fabulous new chapter for her: she thrived on being a grandmother and had an uncanny sense of knowing when she was needed. Mimi was a safety net for all her children and grandchildren, waiting to catch them when they needed her most. She handled tumultuous times with unimaginable strength and grace. Together, Mimi and Honey put family first, no matter what the struggle. Mimi drove the idea that being together was what sustained strength and love for the whole family. If she did not hear from you for at least a week, you knew were getting a phone call. She was the glue who kept everyone connected.

Mimi was beautiful, and Honey called her his own Elizabeth Taylor. She was feisty and strong-willed until the very end. Mimi was a force that only God could reckon with, and while she longed to be with Honey since the day he died, God was not ready for her until now. She fiercely loved and protected her family and had to accept that her beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren would be ok without her on Earth. She will be loved and missed forever.

Memorial Visitation Friday 10:30 am at St. Sabina Church, 25555 Ann Arbor Trail, Dearborn Heights, until the Memorial Mass at 11:00 am.

Slideshow for Blanca Rosa Brudzinski