Roseann Church

SUTTONS BAY — Roseann Church, 76, passed peacefully after a long, courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by family and friends at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City, but not before she painted the evening skies the most beautiful shades of a summer sunset. Roseann loved her home in Suttons Bay, where she was an avid artist, a French country gardener, lover of great music, picnic enthusiast, epicurean and midnight pie eater.Roseann was born Feb. 11, 1934, in Swartz Creek to the late John and Ann (Sedlarik) Podolan. She attended Mary Crapo High School and then went on to graduate from Central Michigan University with a degree in English, art and elementary education. As an exceptional and well-respected teacher, her hands and heart inspired the students she taught in the public school systems of Royal Oak, Grand Rapids, Lake Fenton, Kearsley, Suttons Bay and Warrick Pointe Academy. Roseann was proudly involved in her community with dedication to the Suttons Bay Library and beautification of the land and her own vibrant garden. She also enjoyed the friendship with her "bridesmaids," many who joined her in her love of books, quilting, art, movies at the Bay Theater, and in the hunt for a good garage sale. Children will remember her for spontaneous art lessons, treats, songs, magical walks through her world, as well as the secret gifts left in the floor boards of her old farmhouse.Children were her passion not only in her classroom, but in her own home. Her love of the arts and devotion to creative expression became an inspiration to those that will carry on her legacy. She is survived by her talented and loving children who have chosen to follow her passion of the arts as educators, performers and artists: Rick (Lynne Giacalone) Church, of Traverse City and Dayton, Ohio, Scott (Ann Mullis) Church, of Port Deposit, Md., and Krista (Steve) Ragotzy, of Kalamazoo; grandchildren Christa Ann Church, Kaity, Matt and Leslie Ragotzy, Sam and Jackson Church; brothers Thomas (Stephany) Podolan, of Grawn, and Jon Podolan, of Silverthorne, Colo.; Nephews Thom (Sonya) Podolan, Patrick Podolan, John Podolan; nieces Stephany (Randy) White, Tracey (Michael) Romoser, Marcy Podolan; great-nephews and -nieces David and Kate Romoser, Anna and Kate Podolan, Patrick White; and longtime friends, Karen and Dennis Atkinson.Roseann is preceded in death by her parents and her beloved dog, Ashi.A memorial celebration of Roseann's life will take place at 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 16, at Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church in Suttons Bay. The Rev. Andrew Buvala will serve as celebrant and Deacon Rene Hoenshied will assist. Memorial contributions may be directed to The Leelanau Conservancy. The family is being served by The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.

Roseann Church

August 16, 2010