|
Mary Ann PozarskiDied: Friday, December 12th, 2025 Mass of Christian Burial: 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at St. Olaf Catholic Parish (3220 Monroe Street, Eau Claire) with Father James Kurzynski as celebrant Visitation: 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday afternoon at the funeral home and also one hour prior to Mass at church Interment: Forest Hill Cemetery, Eau Claire, Wisconsin The family suggests donations can be made to:
 Mary Ann "MA" Pozarski, age 84, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Oakwood Health Services in Altoona, Wisconsin following a lengthy battle with Huntington's disease. The story of Mary Ann's life was full of kindness, compassion and love for family and friends. Mary Ann was born February 26, 1941, to Francis and Esther (Eslinger) Reith at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. She attended McDonell Catholic High School in Chippewa Falls, graduating from there in 1959. After high school she secured her nursing degree in 1963 from St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Marshfield, Wisconsin. From there, she enjoyed a very rewarding career as a Registered Nurse. She saw many changes as Luther Hospital became a larger medical center (now Mayo Clinic Health System-Eau Claire). The majority of her time was spent in the Intensive Care Unit followed by some later years in Telemetry where she helped patients exiting or stepping down from the ICU. She retired in 2008 after 45 years of caring for many patients.
Although she was quite proud of her life's work, Mary Ann was very devoted to family from the beginning. On May 18, 1963, she married the love of her life William Pozarski at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Boyd, Wisconsin. From this union, they raised three children (Greg, Cheryl and Kathy). Despite working the night shift, she managed many other leadership roles including time with both the Cub Scouts and Campfire Girls. Later on, there was a ton of different sports, musicals and plays for her children. Of course, the administrators of those events didn't have to ask twice for her help. She was always a strong advocate for Regis Catholic High School in Eau Claire, even decades after her children had graduated from there. With a strong Catholic background, Mary Ann spent additional time at St. Olaf Catholic Church doing bible readings and serving communion on a regular basis. She was also an active member of the PCCW - a women's group for the parish. Friends developed through her parish activities were some of the most cherished, strong relationships that she had. Her church family was central in her life. Her philanthropic efforts also extended past the church to include time at Community Table in Eau Claire. After her retirement, she volunteered many hours there to help the less fortunate get regular hot meals. And while she officially departed her job as a nurse, she was still compelled to lend a hand at the hospital as part of STEP Force - a volunteer position for patients who need help navigating the hospital if they are not physically capable. Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, William; children, Gregory Pozarski, Cheryl (Michael) Seastrand, and Kathryn (George the IV) Rivers. Mary Ann was a loving grandmother to: Ericka O' Connor, George Rivers the V and Charlotte Rivers. She is also survived by many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Frank (Jean) Reith; sister, Jean (Jim) Kane; father/mother-in-law, Stanley and Mayme Pozarski; step mother-in-law, Hazel (Sokup) Pozarski; and daughter-in-law, Denise Waterman (Greg's wife). |
