When Mary Rosso died in April 2025, she was 100 years old. Her daughter, Becky Wisnieski, was not surprised that her parents' estate included a gift to something that had been important to them since childhood—a Lutheran education. The family made a significant donation to Trinity's Hardt-Rathe Tuition Assistance Fund.

A member of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Pontiac throughout her formative years, Mary married Bruce Rosso in 1948, and Lutheran beliefs were just as important to her husband. Together, they attended Trinity in Clinton Township.

Wisnieski shared that her father attended Trinity's school as a child, and she followed, attending Trinity in fifth through eighth grade. Many of her aunts, uncles and cousins also attended Trinity, as well as Lutheran High School North.

"Lutheran education has always been part of our family. I ended up teaching at St. Paul Lutheran School in Ann Arbor for 22 years before I retired seven years ago," said Wisnieski. "As a Lutheran educator, and seeing the difference a Lutheran school education makes in kids' lives, it was important to make sure their gift went to the right place."

Trinity has been a place Mary Rosso called home for many years. She was a member of the Altar Guild, the former Golden Years Club, the former Ladies Aid Society and even the golf league. Bruce Rosso was an elder and served the church faithfully until he passed away in 2002. It seemed fitting to donate the gift to Trinity's scholarship fund, the Hardt-Rathe Tuition Assistance Fund. Named after two former Trinity principals, the Hardt-Rathe Tuition Assistance Fund provides scholarships to families in need so they can attend Trinity's school.

"I was motivated to give the money to Trinity because you have a thriving program. You have a healthy school. Also, you have the Hardt-Rathe Tuition Assistance Fund set up and ready to accept donations. My biggest impetus was doing it in their memory and for their legacy—and to glorify God," said Wisnieski.

She said she gives glory to God because it was through her parents that she had the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of Trinity families.

"I don't often get to make gifts like that in my life. What a blessing it was to me as well!" said Wisnieski.

For more information about the Hardt-Rathe Tuition Assistance Fund, or to make a donation, contact Mark Brown at or call 586-468-8511.