With profound sadness and hearts full of love, we announce the passing of Cari B. Grzechowiak, who peacefully passed away on July 30, 2026, at St. Anne Hospital ICU, surrounded by the family who loved her beyond words. Although her passing came far too soon and far too unexpectedly, the love, kindness, and compassion she shared throughout her life will continue to live on in the countless people blessed to know her.

Cari was born on June 25, 1963, in Toledo, Ohio, to Janice Stevenson and the late James Hensley Jr. She was raised with a heart for helping others, a quick wit, and a generosity that would become the foundation of the remarkable woman she grew to be.

Throughout her career, Cari proudly worked as a Production Engineer at WTOL Channel 11, from which she retired. After retirement, she took on a seasonal job with the Toledo Metroparks. No matter where life took her, she built lasting friendships through her warm smile, hardworking spirit, and genuine ability to make everyone feel like family.

While she worked hard, it was the moments outside of work that truly brought her joy. She found happiness tending to her flowers and garden, spoiling her beloved dog Jack, listening to Bon Jovi with the volume turned up, trying her luck at poker tables, casinos, and scratch-off tickets, and making her famous homemade lemonade that became a favorite among family and friends. She found beauty in life’s little moments and had a way of reminding those around her to slow down and enjoy them too.

If there was one thing everyone knew about Cari, it was that she was always there.

She was the first phone call when someone needed advice, comfort, laughter, or simply someone to listen. She never hesitated to help someone in need, often putting others before herself without expecting anything in return. Her kindness was effortless, her generosity endless, and her love unconditional. She made people feel safe, accepted, and deeply loved.

Above all else, Cari treasured her family.

She was a devoted wife to Roy Grzechowiak, a fiercely proud mother to Jay Grzechowiak, and lovingly welcomed his wife, Caroline Hinde-Grzechowiak, into the family. Watching Jay build a life of his own filled her with immense pride.

Nothing, however, compared to the joy she found in becoming a grandmother.

Her granddaughter, Catelyn Grzechowiak, affectionately called her “CeCe,” and that title quickly became Cari’s favorite. Their bond was one of unconditional love, endless laughter, bedtime stories, adventures, and countless cherished memories. Whether they were simply spending time together or making ordinary moments unforgettable, being CeCe was one of the greatest blessings of her life. The love she poured into Catelyn will forever remain a part of who she grows to be.

Cari is survived by the love of her life Roy Grzechowiak; son, Jay (Caroline) Grzechowiak and granddaughter, Catelyn Grzechowiak; daughter, Jamie Gore, and grandson, Jayden Wing; her mother, Janice Stevenson-Hensley; her sister, Kimberly (Randy) Randall; her nieces, Ashley (Matthew) Froman and Stephanie (Richard) Gabel; and many cousins, nephews, nieces, extended family members, and lifelong friends.

A very special place in her heart belonged to her lifelong best friend, Tracy Dailing, her “sissy.” Their friendship was built on decades of unwavering love, laughter, loyalty, and standing beside one another through every chapter of life. Tracy was more than a best friend—she was family, and Cari treasured the bond they shared.

Cari was preceded in death by her father, James Hensley Jr., along with several beloved aunts and uncles.

The suddenness of Cari’s passing has left a hole that can never truly be filled. Yet those who knew her will forever carry pieces of her with them—in blooming gardens, in Bon Jovi songs playing on the radio, in every glass of homemade lemonade shared on a warm summer day, and in every act of kindness done simply because it is the right thing to do.

Her family will remember her infectious laugh, her generous heart, her unwavering loyalty, and the way she could make anyone feel like they belonged. She showed those around her that family is built not only through blood, but through love, compassion, and always showing up for the people who matter most.

Though her time with us was far too short, the impact of her life cannot be measured. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, resilience, generosity, and unconditional love that will continue to shape the lives of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She will be deeply missed every single day, but she will never be forgotten.

Forever loved. Forever cherished. Forever our CeCe, Mom, Wife, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, and Friend.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy—and never truly gone.”

Celebration of Life Open House

Sunday, August 23, 2026

12:00pm – 3:00pm

Toledo Botanical Gardens- Crosby Conference Center

5403 Elmer Drive

Toledo, Ohio 43615

Family and friends are warmly invited to stop by to share stories, memories, and a glass of Cari’s favorite lemonade and snacks. Casual Attire acceptable.