Renee Poniewozik

Renée Poniewozik, age 88 of Monroe, passed away Thursday, November 18, 2021 at ProMedica Toledo Hospital. Born September 2, 1933 in Sefrou, Morocco, Renée was the daughter of Yomtov Assouline and Gracia Oliel. She married the love of her life, Joseph Poniewozik, on October 6, 1953, who preceded her in death March 4, 1994. She left her beloved home of Morocco to come with her husband and two young children to Michigan. As an immigrant, she was a living representation of historical grace and courage. She was an open-hearted, energetic woman, devoted mother and grandmother and kind neighbor. Renée was unstoppable. She set a mileage record in the YMCA pool, her home away from home. She couldn’t stand to miss even a day’s walk because of bad weather. It was appropriate that she was up and active until her last day. Renée leaves her children to cherish her memory: Jean (James) Johnson, John (Annie) Poniewozik, Lori (Mark) LeGendre and James (Beth) Poniewozik; 10 grandchildren: Tara, Christine (Jeff), Michelle, Adam, Andrew, Renée, Drew (Kimberly), Claire, Milo and André; as well as a sister Rochelle (David) Gholston. Her legacy is also cherished and celebrated by family in France, Canada, Israel and more. Special thanks to her second family at the Monroe YMCA. Memorial contributions in honor of Renée may be made to the Monroe Family YMCA or Temple B’Nai Israel, where she was a member: P.O. Box 2444 Monroe, Michigan 48161.