Virginia Cecelia Grzadzinski

Virginia Cecelia Grzadzinski passed away on March 12, 2026. Born on New Year’s Day 1928, she was the first baby born in Macomb County that year.

Predeceased by her husband Joseph and her siblings Mildred and Marvin, Virginia is survived by her brother Celestine “Mike,” her devoted children Claretta, Carey, Leah, Gerald, and Marciann, and her proud grandchildren Joey, Jackie, Riley, Logan, Rebecca, Allison, Sarah, Ian, and Sophie. She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Emma, Lucas, Wesley, and Cecelia, and held a special place in her heart for her grandson-in-law Paul.

From an early age, Virginia developed a lifelong passion for music after being introduced to Hawaiian steel guitar. At just 14 she was already traveling to Detroit to play piano for tap dancing classes, forging many enduring friendships with fellow musicians. She mastered several instruments, with the upright bass becoming her favorite. Her love of music remained a constant through her 98 years, as she performed in bands, attended conventions and shows, taught others, and cherished lively jam sessions. She also enjoyed cake decorating, ceramics, china painting, dancing, and singing in the church choir.

During World War II she worked at the Tank Arsenal, later serving as a clerk for Macomb Township for more than 30 years. Virginia loved to travel, beginning with family camping trips, exploring the United States, visiting Hawaii, and making many pilgrimages in her later years. Her Catholic faith served as her anchor; she gave her children a strong moral foundation rooted in God’s teachings and placed the highest value on family. She lived with strength and unwavering independence until the end, deeply loved by all who knew her. The love she shared with her family remains her most enduring legacy.