Obituary of Andrea Marie Wazny

Andrea Marie Wazny has left this world for the next after 79 years on earth.  Regal in her kindness, thoughtfulness, creativity, and generosity, Andrea was a queen.  The broke-down palace of her mind and body has found new splendor in her eternal Home.  She passed early Monday morning, surrounded by love, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. 

Born Andrea Marie Yurgaites to the late Andrew and Gladys Yurgaites in 1945, Andrea met and fell in love with her forever best friend Gary Wazny.  They married in May of 1967 and dove right into the summer of love, establishing their kingdom.  Her adventurous spirit was unmatched.  On their honeymoon, Andrea chased a bear while Gary recorded the footage to share with their greatest adventure--their 7 children, 12 grandchildren, and 4 great grandchildren.  Her zest for life and ability to make the everyday extraordinary has left a deep impact on all those who knew and loved her. 

After graduation from Handy High School in Bay City, MI, Andrea attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing and earned her R.N. degree.  After leaving the hospital setting, she was a housekeeper for many years.  She also co-owned The Paper Place with her husband, where she became the queen of balloons and party supplies.  Life was never dull with Andrea; she was always planning something special  to make those around her feel loved and uplifted.

In her quest to make the world a better place, Andrea devoted herself to raising her 7 children.  She was often found in the woods, at a lake, a ball field, a motocross track, anywhere her babies were.  She was preceded in death by her firstborn, Shellie Wazny-Root.  She is survived by James (Lori) Wazny, Jenny (Evan McMahon) Wazny, Sally Wazny, Mary (Kris) Swanson, David (Gerri) Wazny, and Daniel Wazny.   

The kingdom she started grew with her many grandchildren.  Jazman Poirier, Andrew Wazny, Austin Wazny, Bryce Poirier, Hailey Wazny,  Morgan Hansen, Drew Hansen, Nico Hansen, Blake Wazny, Paige Wazny, Wazny Swanson, and Andrea Swanson were her darlings.  She also cherished her 4 great-grandchildren, Zayden Poirier, Mialynn Poirier, Amarlyn Poirier, and Jameson Wazny.  She is survived by her siblings, Thomas (Charlotte) Yurgaites, Joanne (the late Art) Madajski, Anne (Chuck) Shilling, Peggy (Robert) Reder, and Anthony (Tammy) Yurgaites.  Also surviving her are many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Andrea was a woman of varied interests and talents.  She delighted in anything creative from designing homemade Halloween costumes to perfecting her art of gory “stage” makeup.  She was an avid camper in Michigan and in Florida.  She seemed to always catch the first or biggest fish, but found a way to give someone else the credit.  She hiked any hidden trail she could find and was refreshed by the intensity of a waterfall.  She was perhaps the world’s best baker/cook, known for her specially decorated cakes, pies, and perfect pierogies.  She sewed and engaged with cross stitch.  The ceramic holiday decorations she crafted will forever be a sign that holiday magic is about to ensue.  When Andrea was near, truly, magic was there, too.  When she wasn’t watching the birds she loved to feed, cuddling with an animal, or making the world more beautiful with her many gardens, she collected mice figurines and helped her children to “collect” many, many pets.  She was the best at buying crap she didn’t need just because it was on sale.  She told a great joke in her understated manner and offered the sincerest hugs.  Andrea loved the beach.  She walked for hours collecting stones and shells on beaches throughout Michigan and Florida.  Her kayaking skills were “top notch;” she found peace and comfort navigating the waters of Wiggins Lake at her summer home in Gladwin, Michigan.  A woman of great faith, Andrea was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church and spread love to all those around her. 

Though her body is gone, her spirit remains in us.  When you think of Andrea, smile.  She is home and at peace in her forever Palace.  “By the waterside I will rest my bones/Listen to the river sing sweet songs/To rock my soul.” 

Fare you well, Andrea.  “We love you more than words can tell.” 

To honor her life, visitation and a memorial Mass of Christian fellowship will be held Thursday, January 23, 2025, at 11:00 at Our Lady of Grace, St. Agnes Parish, 2500 N. W. River Road, Sanford, Michigan with the Reverend Daniel Fox officiating.  Andrea’s ashes will lie in state before the service, from 10:00-11:00.  To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.