Annette Koliba

MARENISCO, Mich. - Annette Koliba, 96, of Marenisco, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Jan. 3, 2017, at her home, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Because of her playful nature and kindness and generosity towards all who met her, she was affectionately given the name Grandma Loop by her dear friends.

Annette was born on Sept. 16, 1920, in Detroit, to Polish immigrants, John and Mary (Strzepak) Dybowski. She lived most of her life on the same street in an established Polish neighborhood in southwest Detroit until 2009. Annette celebrated her heritage by attending her neighborhood Catholic churches, spending time with family and friends, preparing incredibly delicious meals and dancing the polka. It was at a polka dance that she met her husband of 37 years, Herman Koliba, who was the accordion player in the band.

She was employed by Hygrade Meats in Detroit for 35 years, where she also served as a union steward until her retirement in 1981. Even after long hours at work, Annette would make time to help her family and friends who were in need of assistance. Enjoying life to the fullest, her free time was spent playing bingo in Canada and family pinochle at home. She loved watching the Detroit Tigers on television or attending games at the Old Tiger Stadium.

Even before the Mackinaw Bridge was built, Annette and family members traveled to Marenisco, a town in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, regularly to visit friends and vacation. In 2009, she moved to Marenisco with her son and daughter-in-law, George and Peggy, with whom she lived and enjoyed the rest of her life. Annette quickly renewed old friendships and made many new friends. She spent many happy hours playing bingo at the casino.

Grandma Loop was known by many in the community, and she was loved. Her genuine warmth and love enriched the lives of her family members and all who had the good fortune of knowing her.

She was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Marenisco.

Annette is survived by her two sons, Morley Sr. (Carol) Loop and George (Peggy) Loop; seven grandchildren, Tammara Shoemaker, Morley Jr. (Debbie) Loop, Steven Loop, Amanda (Michael) Cole, Joel Loop, Cody Aschenbrenner and Ashley Aschenbrenner; 12 great-grandchildren, including her goddaughter, Carine Cole; 10 great-great-grandchildren; three nieces, Freda Bakula, Christine Sokol and Cynthia L'heureux; two nephews, Casmir Dybowski and Gerald Grzywinski; a host of friends, including special friends, Hamako Eberly, Mike (Janette) Tice and Kelly Parker; and her precious dog, Lola.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; a daughter that passed away in childbirth, Victoria; and her brothers and sisters, Stanley Strzepak, Michael Strzepak, Mary Strzepak, Walter Strzepak (Julie), Edward Dybowski, Peter (Vickie) Dybowski, Catherine (Joe) Monacco, Mike (Emily) Dybowski and Stanley Dybowski.

In accordance with Annette's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A celebration of her life will take place in the spring for family and friends.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, Regional Hospice, Mary Leinon and Carol Matazel, and the Marenisco Medical Clinic, Dr. Kimberly Mahler, for the care they have provided Annette and the support they have given her family over the last few weeks.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.