Louise Progar

Louise Antoinette (Koval) Progar passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and loved ones on April 16, 2024 at the age of 95.

Louise was born December 19, 1928 in Mayfield, PA to Walter and Tillie Koval. Life's lessons were often time learned the hard way for Louise. Growing up with very little monetary and material wealth in Jermyn, PA, Louise always knew she had to find ways to do more with less. Louise learned the value of hard work and its reward by picking blueberries from the mountain for a dime a quart. This gave her just enough money to be able to go see a movie. After becoming an orphan at age 13, Louise moved in with her sister in Brooklyn, NY. Louise was in charge of cleaning the house top to bottom once a week, and would also help out as needed in the kitchen with the cooking. After graduating from Jefferson High School in 1947, Louise was eager to leave New York and seek opportunities to start a life on her own. A fond memory of a visit to Detroit and a job with Midland Steel was enough to give Louise all the incentive she needed to make the move to Michigan.

After settling in Detroit, MI. Louise would soon meet the love of her life, Joseph Michael Progar, a Detroit Police Officer. The two would marry in September, 1952. All the lessons Louise learned growing up were put to good use when it came time to raise a family of her own. Louise and Joe would eventually have six children together, and moved their family of eight to Westland, MI in 1969 - and she would live in that beautiful home in Westland until the day she passed.

Louise was an exceptional cook, with Polish dishes such as golabki, pierogi, city chicken, and pies being among her most popular. As if raising a family while keeping fresh meals on the table and maintaining a pristinely kept house wasn't enough, Louise enjoyed numerous hobbies. She loved to play Bingo and cards, visit the casino and spend time reading a good book.

But what Louise was most proud of was the family she made with Joe, especially being a grandmother to her twelve grandkids. Spending time with her grandchildren was her favorite thing to do. She loved attending their sporting events, concerts, musicals, and graduation ceremonies,  and otherwise supporting her grandkids however she could. And she made time over at "Grandma's House" a memorable experience for all. Her home was open to anyone at any time for any reason. Louise always had a knack for making everyone feel special - which made time spent with her so treasured.

Louise is survived by her six children - Richard (Pat) Progar, Ron Progar, Raymond (Rachel Foster) Progar, Linda (Ron) Takacs, Mary (Kevin) Dombrowski, and Patricia (Michael) Pardo; twelve grandchildren-Emily (Bryce) Billings, Erica (Sean) Lewis, Devin (Amanda) Takacs, Vince (Cassee) Progar, Dr. Victor (Lizzie) Progar, Alana (Alex) Malburg, Valkyrie Progar, Anna (Joe) Freeman, Conor Pardo, Jeron Takacs, Claire Pardo and Ivan Progar; and four great grandchildren-Fox Billings, Derek Lewis, Landon Lewis and Vera Progar. Preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Joseph Progar; as well as 5 sisters and 2 brothers.

Her bright smile and laugh will forever be remembered.

Louise's family will receive visitors on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at the L.J. Griffin Funeral Home, 7707 Middlebelt Road (S. of Ann Arbor Trail) from 1:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.

She will lie instate at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 11441 Hubbard Road (at Plymouth Road) until the time of her funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m.

Louise will be laid to rest by her husband's side at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, MI.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in Louise's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/