KOSTRZEWA– Sister Ann Kostrzewa, OP (religious name Sister Martin Porres) of Grand Rapids, Michigan (born in Saginaw, MI) died July 12, 2010. She was 95 years old and a Dominican Sister for 74 years.  For 47 years she taught primary grades at St. Joseph and St. Alphonsus, Grand Rapids; Our Lady of Grace, Dearborn; St. Basil, South Haven; St. Casimir, Saginaw; St. Mary, Charlevoix, where she was also principal; and St. Mary Magdalen, Melvindale.  She was an excellent teacher, admired by her first and second graders—and their parents.  Through summer study she earned a B.S. in Education, an M.A. in Theology from Aquinas College; and an M.A. in Educational Administration from Central Michigan University.  In 1980 she studied the Polish language at the Jagiellonian Institute at the University of Krakow.  After Vatican II she updated her religious education by attending workshops at Madonna and St. Norbert’s colleges and seminars at Aquinas.  As principal in Charlevoix Sister Ann introduced television teaching, upgraded school facilities, and sought funding for remedial reading and libraries.  She inaugurated a program to involve parents in preparing their children for first communion.  Severe hearing loss necessitated a change of ministry.  She went to Sacred Heart, Merrill in 1983 as a volunteer pastoral minister, working with senior citizens and the home-bound.  Next she launched into the BeFriender Program.  After taking the classes, she trained a group of parishioners to be leaders.  By the time she left Merrill, the program was well established and continues to flourish under lay leadership.  She also started a senior group who met regularly for activities.  Sister Ann liked to play the guitar for relaxation, “because it keeps me young and it keeps me in touch with the young.”  Sister Ann is survived by nieces, nephews, friends and Sisters in her Dominican Community.  Sister Ann will repose at Chapel of the Word, Marywood Health Center, 111 Lakeside Dr. NE in Grand Rapids with visitation on Wednesday, July 14 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Remembering Service will be on Wednesday, July 14 at 7:00 p.m. at Dominican Chapel/Marywood, 2025 East Fulton Street. A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 15, 2010 at Dominican Chapel/Marywood. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials in Sister Ann Kostrzewa's name may be made to the Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters Health Care Fund.