Sue L. Vandefifer
age 57, of Milford, died October 9, 2007.
She is survived by her husband, Garry; daughter, Amy; sons, Robb (Kelly), Matt; granddaughter, Allie; brother, John (Suzanne) Martin and many loving extended family members and dear friends. Preceded in death by her parents, John & Georgina Martin and uncle, Monsignor Martin.
Funeral Mass from St. Mary Catholic Church, 1955 E. Commerce, Milford, Friday, October 12, 11 AM. Fr. Ron Anderson to officiate. Burial St. Mary’s Cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Thursday, 4-9 PM. Rosary 7 PM. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Edward J. Connelly
a resident of Milford since 1975, died on Thursday afternoon in the care of his family. He was 95 years old.
Born on January 23, 1912 in W. Lafayette, Indiana, he was the youngest son of Timothy J. and Alice (Sweeney) Connelly. Raised in Chicago and schooled by Jesuits, after graduation from St. Ignatius High School, he went to Loyola University on a basketball scholarship, where he also played football and ran track. After graduation he went to work as a purchasing agent with Swift and Company in Milwaukee, Chicago and finally in Kansas City where he went on a blind date with Mary Mc Callum. Miss Mc Callum was moving to Bemidji, MN where she was going to teach riding at an equestrian center. But after one date, Ed Connelly was smitten and the couple was married in Kansas City on September 24, 1938. They took a four day trip to the Ozarks for their honeymoon, then returned to their third floor apartment and began their life together. After the outbreak of World War II, though he had a wife and young children at home, Ed Connelly joined the Navy, for which he was fired from his job at Swift’s, and served as an Intelligence Officer with Admiral Chester Nimitz’s staff in Hawaii at Pearl Harbor and after the war attended graduate school at Harvard University before going to work for H.K. Ferguson Company. In 1955 he was transferred to San Francisco and in 1960 began his long career as a purchaser, and eventually a vice-president with the Edw. C. Levy Company. He served as president of the Purchasing Management Association of Detroit in 1971 and on the Board of Governors of the Michigan Trucking Association in more recent years. He taught purchasing courses at Wayne State University and conducted seminars throughout the Midwest. He never really retired from the Edward C. Levy Company, serving as Special Assistant to the President and continuing to do public relations work for the firm into a new century.
Always an athlete and avid sportsman, he loved following the local teams and was rooting for the Detroit Tigers until a week before his death. He and his wife bred Arabian horses in Milford and showed a Morgan Park horse which was among the top ten in the country. A devout Catholic he was a long time member of St. Mary’s Church and formerly a member of St. Owen Church in Franklin.
Faith and family were central to Ed Connelly’s life. In addition to his wife of sixty-nine years, Mary, he is survived by his son Thomas (Barbara) Connelly of Milford, his daughter Mary Cecilia (the late David) de Tar; granddaughters, Catherine Mary (Morrison) Warren, Jennifer Mary Connelly, Norah (Jimmy) Warren and a grandson, Matthew James Martone. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren: Francis, Fiona, Conor, Sarah and John, several nieces and nephews and many dear friends who join with his family in mourning the death of a good man and giving thanks to God for his life among them.
Funeral Mass will be said at St. Mary’s Church, 1855 E. Commerce, Milford, Monday at Ten O’Clock. Fr. Ronald Anderson will officiate. Burial will follow in Milford Memorial Cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Saturday from 7-9PM and Sunday from 2-9PM. A Rosary will be recited at 2:30 PM. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church.
Lucille M. Worthington
a resident of Milford and Lecanto, FL and former resident of Farmington Hills died at Botsford Hospital in Farmington Hills on Monday, October 1, 2007. She was 83 years old. Born in Norway, Michigan on June 15, 1924, Lucille was the daughter of Rudolph & Mary Pellegrini. She was raised in a household with five siblings on a small farm in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. While attending high school she met Leonard Worthington, a Vulcan alumnus, and began dating. The young couple soon fell very much in love, continuing their affinity for one another throughout Leonard’s service time in the United States Army during WWII. Lucille graduated from Vulcan high school in 1942 and shortly after Leonard returned home from the war, she was married on April 27, 1946. The newlyweds moved from Vulcan to Detroit and began their new lives as husband & wife. They were blessed with a large family of seven children and enjoyed the years spent in southeast Michigan, including their home in Farmington Hills. As her own children grew through the passing years, Lucille would become a grandmother and great-grandmother; her greatest concerns always centering at the well being of her family.
”Nana,” as she was known to her grandchildren, embodied all the reasons why grandmas so resemble queens. She was elegant and kind, loving and strong and especially at her most impressive while being hostess for the many family celebrations held at her home. She cooked for all occasions, erring on the side of feasts rather than easy meals and was well known for her specialties that included homemade pizzas. She enjoyed parties, shopping and red wine and always rooted for the Green Bay Packers. The greatest fan to her grandchildren during their special events and sports games, she was recently fortunate to see her grandson score his first touchdown as a Milford High Maverick. In her later years, when she & Leonard weren’t in Lecanto, Florida during the winter, Lucille was able to spend the summer in Milford where she enjoyed staying with her daughter.
Mrs. Worthington was preceded in death by her sister, Evelyn Heindel; brother, Rudy Pellegrini and daughter-in-law, Gracie.
In addition to her beloved husband, Leonard A. “Fritz;” and children, John, Jim (Chere), Susan (Don) Harris, Michael (Debbie), Betty (Dan) Bruci, Linda King, Mary (Keith) Rowley, she is survived by her 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Margaret Brisson, Betty (Glenn) Bishop; brother, Joseph (Ann) Pellegrini and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday, October 6 at 11 AM. Rev. Dr. R. John Harris will officiate. Friends may visit Friday 3-9 PM. Memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Delores M. Pink
age 61 of Milford Twp., died at her home in the care of her family on October 4, 2007, after a battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband, William Pink, son, Bernard Thornton, daughter-in-law, Angie Thornton and grandson Tanner. A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Monday, October 8th, at 8PM, with Fr. Ron Anderson officiating. Friends may visit Monday 3PM until time of service. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Penny Costello (nee Colegrove)
a resident of Milford, died at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township on August 30, 2007 after a courageous battle with breast cancer. She was 59 years old. Born in Pontiac, Michigan on September 10, 1947, the daughter of Albert & Louise Colegrove, Penny grew up in Milford and graduated from Milford High School in 1966. As part of a high school class curriculum she began correspondence with a pen pal and active soldier During the Vietnam War. Endless letters later she fell in love with her pen pal, a soldier named George Costello, and was married on October 21, 1967. Penny & George began their new lives together as husband and wife and were later blessed with the births of their children. They made their home on Hickory Street in Milford and have enjoyed many fond friendships and neighbors within the community throughout the years.
Penny lived for activities that centered on home & family. From her love of gardening to her gifts in the kitchen, she was graceful in all of her endeavors. She played a special role in the lives of each of her grandchildren, frequently taking them to Spicer’s Apple Orchard and the Detroit Zoo as well as teaching them the art of bread baking. Penny also enjoyed jet skiing, Roller-skating and was well known to be the most vocal spectator during football games.
In addition to her beloved husband of over 39 years, George and her daughter, Annemarie (Ronald) Gress; sons, Joseph (Dianna) and David (Rose), Mrs. Costello is survived by her grandchildren, Joey, Kory, Caitlin, Clarke, Kade, Breyahana; siblings, Ronald (Rose) Colegrove, John (Verna) Colegrove, Nancy (Don) London, Bill (Ruth) Colegrove, Bob Colegrove, Betty Beaubien, Barbara (Mark) Schmidt; special friend, Buddy, the Saint Bernard and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday, September 5, 11 AM. Rev. Dr. R. John Harris to officiate. Friends may visit Tuesday 2-9 PM. Memorials may be made to the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, 4100 John R.,Detroit, Michigan 48201-9945. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Rita Zarnowski
a long time resident of Highland Township, died on Saturday, August 25th, 2007 surrounded by her family at Grace-Sinai Hospital in Detroit. She was 77 years old. Born on March 7th, 1930, the daughter of Stanley & Stella (Tumala) Nowocinski, Rita grew up in Detroit where she attended St. Francis D’Assisi School. On August 12th, 1950 she married Erwin Zarnowski, with whom she had fallen in love after meeting on a blind date, and they made their home in Detroit, where they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Debra. In 1971 Erwin built a house for his family in Highland Township. Rita made their lakefront house a home for her family to create traditions that will be carried on for generations to come. Rita’s family continued to grow over the years to include a son-in-law, James, and two granddaughters, Kimberly and Heather. Family was the most important thing to Rita. She loved to cook for and spend time with those closest to her. Some of the most special times were spent sitting around her kitchen table playing board games and eating all the special snacks she would buy for everyone. Rita also enjoyed collecting musical stuffed animals and religious ornaments. She always made sure her house was decorated for every holiday - inside and out. She would plant lots of beautiful flowers in the summer time and decorate her entire lawn with Christmas lights and statues during the holidays. Throughout her life, Rita had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother and her church. In fact, Rita and Erwin were founding members of the Church of the Holy Spirit Catholic Church in their neighborhood. Rita spent many long hours participating in various church functions including the bake sales in which she was famous for her pineapple upside-down and chocolate cakes. But Rita’s charity did not stop at bake sales. She was always trying to help others whether it be donations to religious organizations or lunch money to children at Spring Mills Elementary where she was a lunch lady. Rita touched many lives through her love, support, and faith. You could always count on her bright smile to light up every room she walked in to. Her soft hands and gentle touch will be greatly missed by her family but her memory will always live on.
She is survived by her husband, Erwin; daughter Debra (Jim) DeVitis; grandchildren, Kimberly & Heather; sisters, Irene (the late Thomas) Szumanski, Loretta (Ed) Birecki, and Patricia Nowocinski, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends.
Rita was preceded in death by her brothers, Gus Nowocinski, Hank Nowocinski, and her sister, Sandra Cooke.
A Funeral Mass will be held from Church of The Holy Spirit, 3700 N. Harvey Lake Rd., Highland, Wednesday 10AM with Fr. Leo Lulko officiating. Burial All Saints Cemetery, Waterford. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Monday 5-9PM & Tuesday 2-9PM. Rosary Tuesday 7PM. Memorials may be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit Building Fund. For more information phone 248.684.6645.
Cindy Gardner
age 50 of Highland Twp., passed away on Friday, September 7, 2007 after a long, brave battle with cancer. In addition to her beloved husband, Ron for over 30 years; daughter, Rachel and son, Travis, she is survived by numerous family members and many, many special friends. Cindy was a loving and caring wife, mother and friend. She always placed the matters of her family first. She achieved her professional successes with class and grace, loved her job and colleagues and was a fun-loving person to be around. A Memorial Service will begin at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday, September 15, at 1PM with a service to follow at 2PM. Following the Memorial Service, a gathering & luncheon will be held at ___________________________. Memorials may be made to the Cindy Gardner Memorial Fund. For further information phone 248-684-6645.
Allen E. Franz "Al"
age 61 of Milford died suddenly on September 6, 2007. He is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy; son, Todd (Angela) Franz of Fowlerville; grandchildren, Logan & Hayden and sister, Kaaryn Falardeau of Livonia. His niece, Janine (John) Mueller; great-niece, Emmi Falardeau; great-nephew, Dylan Falardeau and brother in law, Gary (Nita) Zachar also survive in addition to many loving friends. Al operated Franz Cartage before retiring to begin NAF Breeding, a horse training business he began with his wife Nancy. A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Lutheran Church, 620 General Motors Road, Milford, (day and time pending). For further information phone Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Milford at 248-684-6645.
Andrew Austin Hudson
age 31 of East Lansing passed away in San Francisco, CA on July 20, 2007. Drew is the son of the late Julie Reader and is survived by his father, James H. Hudson and step-mother, Terry L. Hudson of Indianapolis, IN. He is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, relatives & friends. Drew lived most of his life in East Lansing, where he graduated from high school. He was a 2000 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and was working in San Francisco. A Graveside Service will be held at Milford Memorial Cemetery, (located on Atlantic Street at Wixom Road) in Milford, on Saturday, August 4th, at 1PM. For further information please contact Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty Street, Milford, at 248-684-6645.
Gary Joseph Gray
a resident of Highland Township for over twenty-four years, died at Huron Valley Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township after a courageous battle with cancer on Saturday, July 28, 2007. He was 58 years old. Born on March 7, 1949, the oldest of Frank & Geraldine Gray’s six children, Gary was raised in Detroit, revered as the leader to his younger siblings. Early on in his life, he discovered fishing and was forever hooked. Amidst the highlights of his many fishing tales, there were never enough fish, nor hours in the day for him and his brother Glen to catch them. In 1967 Gary graduated from Cody High School and went on to study technical drafting at Lawrence Tech. He had an extraordinary talent for capturing proportion and perspective and could free hand even the most elaborate blueprints. His gifted eye for design & drafting afforded him job opportunities with Parliament Design and KJ Law before beginning his own business enterprise-Contemporary Trim Finish Carpentry in Highland. In 1980 he met Betty Borchardt and fell in love before their marriage in September of 1982. Mr. & Mrs. Gray moved to the home on Woodruff Lake Road in Highland Township and were soon blessed with the births of their daughters, Jessica and Amy and son, Scott. In the past twenty-four years Gary has donated much of his time and talents to Highland and Milford communities where he was well known for his reputable business and integral role in the construction of Highland Station Railroad Park and Milford Senior Center.
Gary Gray was a humorous and quiet man, best known for his unwavering generosities and solid friendship. He was involved in nearly every dynamic of his immediate and extended family, and was happiest in the company of those he loved. Extremely proud of his children, he enjoyed the opportunities to coach their softball & baseball teams, and like all great fathers, was able to be a Dad while being a best friend simultaneously. Memorable times were made in Frankfort, Michigan where, for over ten years, he has vacationed with his wife and family and taken his bass boat out for countless fishing trips. A devoted member of The Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fishermen's Association (MSSFA) and one time Member of the Year recipient, his love and respect for nature was evident in his teaching his son Scott how to be a good outdoorsman. He was also an avid fan of music, mostly classic Rock & Roll, and adding to his endless resumé of talents was his ability to play the bass guitar and perform in The Crescents, a band he gigged with several years ago. Since his diagnosis and all throughout his recent cancer treatment, Gary never lost his great sense of hope and optimism. No matter how dark the day became, he was determined to live life to the fullest, unknowingly inspiring those around him to do the same.
In addition to Betty (Borchardt), his beloved wife of over 24 years; daughters, Jessica and Amy; and son, Scott, Gary is survived by his father, Frank Gray; brothers, Bob (Cindy) Gray, Glen (Paula) Gray; sisters, Gail (Alan) Jadczak, Anita (Dennis) Wright, Anna (Don) Sylvester; mother-in-law, Joan Borchardt, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Geraldine in 1998 and father-in-law, Gordon Borchardt in 1996.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Wednesday, August 1st, at 11AM, with Fr. Leo Lulko officiating. Friends may visit Monday 6-9PM and Tuesday 1-9PM. Memorials may be made to the Gray family or to your local hospice. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Elizabeth M. 'Betty' Tiley
age 91, longtime resident of Commerce, died July 30, 2007.
Loving sister of Nita (Walter) Burgess, Alex (Jean) Hepburn, the late Margaret (Bob) Plenderleith and the late Andrew (Mary) Hepburn.
Dear aunt of Thomas Plenderleith, Matthew Plenderleith, Jane (James) Wilson, Christine (Edwin) Murray Dorothy (John) King, Brian (Graciela) Hepburn, Audrey (Alan) Cahow, Elizabeth Hepburn, Thomas (Una) Hepburn, Janet Hepburn, Andrew (Wendy) Hepburn, Elizabeth Burgess, Alan (Tina) Burgess, Duncan Hepburn, Alexa (Jonathon) Hepburn & Ross (Maggie) Hepburn.
Great aunt of Angela, Yvonne, Erin, Fraser, Andrea, Jennifer, Stephanie, Heather, Melissa, Michael, Iain, Emma, Islay, Lachlan, Macgregor, Allister, Cameron, Marion and Andrew.
Great-great aunt of Heather, Lena, James, Dale, Jilian, Brielle, Malcolm, Megan, Joshua. Also leaves many dear friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Friday, 11 AM. Rev. John Harris to officiate. Burial Commerce Cemetery. Friends may visit Thursday, 6-9 PM. For further information call 248-684-6645.
