Claudia L. Burzynski (Kulpinski)

Burzynski (Kulpinski), Claudia L.

Age 93, died in her Jackson home Tuesday, October 31, 2023, after battling cancer for most of the year. Claudia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She made a lasting impact on her large, extended family.  Claudia graduated from Jackson High School in 1948.  She worked a variety of jobs, starting in high school as an usher at the Capitol Theater and as a waitress at the A & W Root Beer stand in Jackson. Later, she held jobs at several factories. Eventually she went to work for American 1 Credit Union, where she rose through the ranks ultimately retiring as the vice president of lending.  Although she was an early role model as a career woman for her daughters and granddaughters, her passion was her family.

Claudia married the love of her life, Leon Burzynski, in 1950, after meeting him at a bar in Bay City that featured a polka band. They raised four children together, instilling in them a strong work ethic but also the joy of family togetherness. They took their children on many road trips, traveling to northern Michigan often to visit Leon's family. They also ventured farther including a legendary three-week trip in the family sedan (without air conditioning) in 1968 to California to visit Claudia's sister.

They celebrated many Polish traditions, particularly during the holidays. Claudia learned Polish from her parents and from the nuns at St. Stanislaus grade school. When she turned 70, she visited Poland with her daughters and cousins, meeting extended family and translating the conversation for them.

Claudia and Leon hosted numerous parties at their home including summertime pool gatherings  and a Rose Bowl party every New Year's Day. They were known for their hospitality, welcoming everyone including lots of cousins and all of their children's friends.

Claudia was an accomplished seamstress, making matching dresses for her daughters when they were young. She even created prom dresses for her oldest daughter and a cousin, modeling them after expensive dresses found in Detroit shops. She also crocheted beautiful afghans for all of her children and grandchildren.

She loved hanging out with her kids, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her Busia.  She spoiled them all, buying birthday presents for all the kids on every grandchild's birthday.

Claudia was a parishioner at St. Joseph Catholic Church for more than 60 years and was a member of the Rosary Society, where she served as treasurer until just a few years ago. She also volunteered for many years at the church festival, managing the raffle tent, and she helped with the annual paczki bake before Lent each year.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Freda Kulpinski, and her dear husband, Leon Burzynski, as well as her son-in-law George K. Bullard Jr., and sister Nancy Shaw.

Claudia is survived by her son, Dennis (Sherry) Burzynski;  her daughters, Susan Bullard, Diane (Jack) Eure, Shelley (Steve) Job; her grandchildren, Lisa (Jose) Aguilar, Kevin (Leigh-Golding DeSantis) Bush, Sarah (Kristain) Lindemann, Jacob Burzynski, Jessica (Adam) Chipman), Doug Eure, Steve (Cristy) Job, Andrew Job; her great-grandchildren, Emilio, Alina and Lucia Aguilar, Kai and Hugo Bush, Ben and Jenna Chipman, Eva LaGreca, Madelyn and Lincoln Job; her brother Jerry Kulpinski, sisters Elaine Smith, Judy Buschini and Cindy (Dave) Wilson, and her brother-in-law Doug Shaw; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Claudia is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where a Prayer Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, November 3, 2023 followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 10:30 AM with Father Tim Nelson officiating.  Interment will be held at St. John Catholic Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday, November 2 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM.  A Rosary recited by St. Joseph Rosary Society will be held Thursday at 6:00 PM.

Donations in Claudia's name may be made to St. Joseph or St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Jackson or to the charity of your choice.

Desnoyer Funeral Home
Family Owned for 133 Years