Mrs. Marija Pastars of Comstock Park, passed away Friday October 29, 2021. She was born November 7, 1930 in Latvia to Donats and Elvira (Lukavicius) Putnis. In her young, married life, Marija worked on the Westside of Grand Rapids as a cosmetologist. After moving to Comstock Park, Marija and her family joined Assumption Catholic Church in 1969. Here, she was a member of the following: Choir, Fatima Club, Consolata Guild (past president). She was also a lifetime member of Daugavas Vanadzes and the Latvian Hall. Marija catered countless Latvian functions, where she was renowned for her tortes, yellow bread, and piragi. Marija enjoyed crafting, sewing, knitting, crocheting, baking, cooking, gardening and watching the Lawrence Welk show with her family.
Marija is survived by her children, Richard R. (Sharon) Pastars, Daina (Pete) Luczyk; grandchildren, Andy (Victoria) Pastars, Richard A. Pastars, Michael Luczyk, David Luczyk; great grandson, Eathan Pastars; sister-in-law Ruta Putnis; nephews, Eriks (Kristine) Putnis, Roberts (Kimberly) Putnis. Marija is also survived by countless friends and neighbors that have adopted her as their own personal grandma, “Veca mamma”. Both her home and her arms were always open for guests, and she continues to embrace us all from her heavenly home.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Alexander Pastars; siblings Anna, Eduards, Silvija and brother-in-law Arnis Kalmanis.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, November 5, 2021 at 11:00 am from Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Ave., NE, Belmont, MI, with Fr. Steve Geerling presiding. Interment will be in Assumption St. Mary Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, November 4, 2021 from 5-8 pm at the Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Ave., NW, Comstock Park, MI, where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:30 pm.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Consolata Missionary Sisters, 6801 Belmont Ave., NE, Belmont, MI 49306