Dorothy Roman

Dorothy Koskodan was born on March 11, 1935 at St. Francis Hospital in Hamtramck, MI. Her parents are Phillip/Felix Koczkodan and Anna (Bein) Koczkodan. Phillip (3-24-1904 to 11-8-1942) was born in Plymouth, Pennsylvania and Anna (7-3-1903 to 8-4-1962) was born in Munising, MI. Phillip Koczkodan was nicknamed Felix later in life. He used Koczkodan while his children used Koskodan. Although born in the USA, Anna was primarily raised in Poland. Dorothy is the oldest of 3 children. Her brothers are Leonard (1937) and Raymond (1939). With their Father dying when they were so young, Dorothy helped her mother at the Candy Store that she operated and also helped raise her younger brothers. They lived on Dwyer St. in Detroit. Being the only girl she grew up pretty tough, loving sports and outdoor activities. Dorothy went to Corpus Christie for elementary and intermediate school and then to Pershing High School in Detroit, where she graduated in 1953. Dorothy Koskodan met Henry Roman when they were in High School. They actually met at Dorothy’s mother’s candy store in Detroit where Dorothy worked. Henry was two grades older than Dorothy. Henry and Dorothy were married on February 20, 1954 at Corpus Christie Church in Detroit. Stan Roman, Henry’s next older brother, and Lucky Pawloske, one of Dorothy’s closest friends, were the best man and maid of honor. The reception was held at Polish Roman Catholic Union Hall. The honeymoon was in Daytona, Florida. Henry and Dorothy Roman’s first child, Denise, was born in January, 1955 while Henry was home from the service on furlough. After the birth, Henry went back to New Jersey and eventually to Germany. Shortly thereafter, Dorothy brought infant Denise to Germany aboard the U.S.S. America and they lived in Germany for a year until Henry’s military service was completed. When they returned they lived with Henry’s parents on Gable Street in Detroit for a while, then rented a place on St. Louis Street. They finally lived with Dorothy’s Mother on Dwyer Ave in Detroit for 4-5 months before they bought their first home at 28451 Palm Beach Dr. in Warren, Michigan where they would raise 5 children –Denise (1955), Daniel (1958, Ronald (1960), Renee (1961), and Thomas (1967). Henry and Dorothy’s biggest accomplishment in life was raising 5 wonderful children and their successful loving marriage of over 62 years. They also have 12 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Denise married Jeff Wolf and they have 3 children—Jill Wolf (married to Chris Trumble, with children Cameron and Evan), Shawn Wolf (married to Amy, with child Noah), Shannon Wolf (married to Paul Phillips with child Matthew, and one on the way). Denise and Jeff live in Shelby Twp, MI. Dan had a child (Anthony Roman, who married Elizabeth with child Wesley) with his former wife, then married Dawn Steinmetz and they have 2 children—Chelsea and Samantha. Dan & Dawn live in Emmett, MI. Ron married Douglas Cotsamire and they have no children. They live in Oak Park, IL—outside Chicago Renee married William VanMaele and they have 4 children—Russell, Nicholas, Hunter, and Cooper. They live in Commerce Twp, MI. Tom married Sandra Amaral and they have 2 children—Trevor and Kyla. They live in Wynnewood, PA—outside Philadelphia. Henry and Dorothy lived and raised their family in Warren, Michigan from 1958 until 2000 when they purchased a single family home in a maintenance-free association in Washington Township, Michigan. They were very active in St. Sylvester Church in Warren, as the 4 oldest children attended school there. They are also very active in Sts. John & Paul in Washington Twp. During their years in Warren, they had numerous dogs, birds, and a few other rodents and reptiles the children brought home. Cats were never part of the family, as Dorothy was afraid of cats after being scared as a child. Dorothy went to a secretarial school in Detroit to learn business office skills. She then worked for Chrysler Missile in Sterling Heights and then for many years as a legal secretary for Attorney Anthony Caratelli in Detroit. When she returned to work after the children were older she became a Jury Clerk for the 37th District Court in Warren, MI. She loved this job which involved coordinating all the juries for the court. She even had a Jury Clerk badge. She retired from the Court in 1999. Dorothy was so influenced by the legal system that she even ran for City Clerk in 1984. Although not victorious, she enjoyed her campaign thoroughly. Henry and Dorothy are known for being very active in the community, the church, schools, and the neighborhood. Both enjoy sports and even coached the children’s baseball and softball teams. They were great sports enthusiasts and great coaches. The family also grew up with numerous outdoor activities—camping with tents and a pop-up trailer, boating and water skiing with numerous boats over the years, snow skiing, snowmobiling, trips up North, and ice skating. For several years they even had property in Clare, MI and a cottage on Peach Lake in West Branch, Michigan. They both also enjoy bowling, golfing, and playing cards with friends. Some of Henry and Dorothy’s favorite vacations included trips to Hawaii, Arizona, and Las Vegas (2 times). There was also a memorable driving trip to Florida in 1970, which was cut short when Henry’s father Anthony passed away. Dorothy has always been very social, friendly, and outgoing, frequently coordinating parties, activities, clubs, and adventures. She was the family social coordinator and taught her family how to make and keep friends and enjoy life. She was also a speedy typist and good speller, so was always helping the family with homework or typing papers. Dorothy was constantly on the go and always had a project, task, or activity in progress. As an outgoing person, she had numerous acquaintances and close friends. The friends she made as a girl continued to be known as her sisters (and aunts to her children)—Genia, Lucky, Virg, Arlene, Vi, Caroline, Chick, and Toni. Dorothy loved home decorating, shopping, finding a good sale, socializing with her friends, cards, and taking care of the family. She was also quite the bowler and golfer, and received numerous bowling trophies. She was exceptionally athletic, coaching softball for her daughters. Dorothy will be missed terribly by her husband Henry, her children and their families, her extended family, as well as her dozens and dozens of friends. Visitation will be Friday 5-8 pm at the Wasik Funeral Home, Inc. 49150 Schoenherr Rd. (N of 22 Mile Rd.) Instate Saturday 11:30 am until 12:00 pm Funeral Mass at Sts. John and Paul Church 7777 28 Mile Rd. (Washington Twp.) Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.wasikfuneralhome.com

Dorothy Roman

March 11, 1935 - March 9, 2016