Community Mourns Beloved Hubbard Lake Resident Mary Ann Roland, 81

Hubbard Lake, Michigan, USA - Mary Ann T. Roland, fondly remembered by family and friends, passed away on June 17, 2025, at the age of 81 in Hubbard Lake, Michigan. Born on May 13, 1944, in Great Falls, Montana, she was the daughter of John and Theresa (Kusmierczyk) Czarnota. Raised in Detroit, Mary Ann dedicated her life not only to her family but also to her community.

She married John E. Roland on October 10, 1964, in Detroit, and together they built a life marked by dedication and service. The couple became longtime residents of Livonia and Brighton, where Mary Ann worked as an Avon sales representative for eight years and then served as a School Food Service Manager for two decades. After retiring in June 1999, they moved to the peaceful surroundings of Hubbard Lake.

A Loving Family Woman

Mary Ann’s love for her family shone brightly. She cherished her time with her five grandsons—Aiden, Luke, Mark, Andrew, and Jonah—fostering memories through gardening, playing cards, and holiday decorating. She is survived by three children: Rick Roland, Cindy Roland-Frohriep, and Jeff (Kristen) Roland, along with her surviving siblings, Walter (Cindy) Czarnota, Robert Czarnota, Raymond (Patty) Czarnota, and Arlene (Ty) Hovey. Many nieces and nephews also carry her memory.

She was predeceased by her husband, John E. Roland, on August 14, 2023, and her brother, Joe Czarnota, on June 13, 2019. Mary Ann’s thoughtful messages, which she penned for birthdays, anniversaries, and special events, left a lasting mark on everyone she touched.

Community Involvement

Active in her community, Mary Ann was a cherished member of numerous local organizations, including the Hubbard Lake Red Hat Society, Hubbard Lake Lady Learners, Bunco Ladies Group, Hubbard Lake Sportsmen and Improvement Association, and the General Motors Sunrise Side Salaried Retirees. She also held a devout connection to her faith as a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church in Ossineke.

Her memorial visitation is set for July 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine Catholic Church, with a luncheon following the service. Memorial donations are suggested to Hospice of Michigan, reflecting the compassionate spirit she exhibited throughout her life. You can find more information about her contributions in her obituary on The Alpena News and Echovita.

A Shift in Funeral Practices

As we reflect on Mary Ann’s life, it’s also important to acknowledge the changes happening within the funeral industry. According to DFSMemorials, consumer demand is evolving, prompting a shift toward more affordable and personalized funeral options. Cremation is becoming increasingly popular, with rates expected to hit 80% by 2030, while direct cremation offers families a simple and cost-effective choice.

The desire for eco-friendly alternatives is growing, with many choosing cremation as a greener solution compared to traditional burials. Families are now seeking more personalized memorial experiences, moving away from conventional rituals to celebrate lives in ways that reflect individual stories and preferences.

In these changing times, Mary Ann’s life reminds us of the importance of community, family, and the traditions that bind us together, even as we navigate the transitions in our practices around death and remembrance.