Virginia "Ginny" Mary (Dutkiewicz) Kolander

Kolander, Virginia

Brighton, MI

Her Legacy… Virginia “Ginny” Mary Kolander, 99, passed away October 13, 2025.  She was born on June 19, 1926 in Detroit, Michigan to Joseph Dutkiewicz and Pauline (Melcarek) Dutkiewicz. Ginny married the love of her life, Leo Elmer Kolander, on September 21st, 1945, in Dexter, Michigan. She will be remembered as a woman who brought energy and light wherever she went. People naturally gravitated to her, and her energy. A true social butterfly, she found joy in gatherings, parties, and playing cards. Always on the go, Ginny rarely sat still; she was someone who was always doing something, Ginny loved being near the water, especially Lake Michigan, which held a special place in her heart. Her lake property was her sanctuary, where she spent countless happy days enjoying the view, fishing, playing cards, playing jarts, pontooning, and soaking in the peace of nature. Her connection to the water ran deep, she was once a lifeguard, and that love of lakeside living never left her. Ginny had a deep sense of care for others. She once worked as a driver for handicapped children. Family meant everything to her, and she made sure her loved ones knew it through her presence, her cooking, and the way she always made time for them. A talented cook, Ginny took pride in the meals she made. Independent, active, and full of life, Ginny took care of herself and lived fully, with purpose and joy. Her legacy is one of love, connection, and a long life beautifully lived.

Her Family… Ginny will be missed by her daughters, Linda Wilson, Patricia Ann (Franklin) White, Mary Kolander, Kim Campbell, and Betty Moore; eleven grandchildren; many great grandchildren; and a great many number of friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Pauline Dutkiewicz; siblings, Raymond Dutkiewicz, Pauline Pastula, Dorthy Molesky, and Edwin Dutkiewicz

Her Farewell… Ginny’s family and friends will gather Wednesday October 22nd, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Borek Jennings Funeral Homes, Hamburg, Michigan. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday October 23rd, at 11:00 AM (10:00 AM gathering), at Old St. Patrick Catholic Church, Ann Arbor, Michigan. Father Tom Wasilewski will serve as celebrant. Please leave a message of comfort for Ginny’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.

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