News Summary
The Livonia community is in mourning following the passing of Marion Valente Sobczak at the age of 94. Known for her dedication to family and contributions to the community, Marion’s legacy includes four children, 12 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. Her life journey from Italy to establishing deep connections in Detroit highlights a life filled with love, creativity, and cherished memories. Visitation and funeral arrangements have been announced, encouraging community members to honor her impactful life.
Livonia, MI – The community is grieving the loss of Marion Valente Sobczak, who passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 94. A beloved matriarch, Sobczak’s contributions to her family and her community will be remembered fondly.
Marion, who was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Gerald (Jerry) Grobosky, shared an incredible 63 years of marriage with him. She leaves behind her four children: Catherine (David) Rabahy, Mark (Susan), Anne (Mark) Pastir, and the late Mary Ramm-Davison. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, who cherished her deeply.
Marion was born in Forme, Italy, in 1922 and immigrated to the United States with her mother and brother in 1929 to join their father, Antonio. The family initially settled in New Jersey and Pennsylvania before relocating to Detroit in 1941.
Professionally, Marion had a diverse work history. She worked various jobs in downtown Detroit, including a notable 13-year tenure as a bookkeeper at Packard Motor Co. where she met her second husband, John Sobczak. They were married for 37 years and built a life together that valued family and hard work.
A Life Full of Love and Legacy
After dedicating years to raising her children, Marion re-entered the workforce in 1983, taking a position at J.L. Hudson. She was not only a devoted mother but also a cherished grandmother, taking pride in her relationships with her grandchildren, notably Matthew (Maddie) Pochmara and Daniel Pochmara, as well as her great-granddaughter, Emmilene Pochmara.
Marion’s life was marked by her passion for homemaking, crafting, and cooking. A gifted cook, she was known for sharing traditional Italian recipes and family values with those around her. Her hobbies included quilting, crocheting, and watercolor painting, providing her with ample opportunities to express her creativity. She also took great joy in gardening, nurturing the plants she loved.
Traveling was another cherished activity for Marion, with memorable adventures that included trips to Hawaii and special outings with her grandchildren. Her life was enriched by these experiences, often shared with family and friends.
Visitation and Funeral Arrangements
Visitation for Marion Valente Sobczak will occur on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Harry J. Will Funeral Home in Livonia. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM, with subsequent burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to a charity in Marion’s memory, allowing her legacy of kindness and community service to continue in spirit.
As the community comes together to honor Marion’s life, many reflect on the love she gave and the positive impact she had on those fortunate enough to know her.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Marion Valente Sobczak Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Fredwood Funeral Home: Roger Hawraney Obituary
- Google Search: Obituaries
- Dignity Memorial: Joseph Angelosanto Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Dignity Memorial: Frank Riess Obituary
- Google News: Funeral Services
- Dignity Memorial: Patricia Kovach Obituary
- Google Scholar: Funeral Customs
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
