Eva Jean M. O'Donnell
a resident of White Lake Township and former resident of Santa Monica, California, died peacefully at her home in the company of family on Monday afternoon, October 30, 2006. She was 72 years old.
Born in Detroit on April 30, 1934, the daughter of Cecil & Charlotte (nee. Splan) Felix, she grew up in Detroit and graduated from South-Western High School. After graduation, she began studying at Wayne State University, and later, Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, where she obtained education to become a certified Ophthalmic Technician and Refractionist. She was married to John W. O’Donnell on November 17, 1972 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Dearborn, Michigan and would enjoy over thirty-three years of inseparable love faith and friendship with her husband. Jean, as she was better known to her many friends, continued her work as an Ophthalmic Technician for over thirty five years, working for Dr. Weir’s office in Lincoln Park, and later, for a small practice in Santa Monica for the twenty-two years she resided in California before returning to Michigan. The move back to Michigan, to the new home in White Lake Township brought her closer to family and friends and as with all the activities of her life, Jean treasured more the times she was able to spend in the company of her husband, children and grandchildren. A strong woman, known to have had more than nine lives, Jean also had great faith and powerful prayers. She was grateful for every single day alive and even throughout her ongoing health battles with emphysema and a brain aneurysm in 1997, her great sense of humor could not be diminished. During one of her many visits to the Hospitals I.C.U. wing, she pleasantly joked that what she really needed was a lobster dinner and a Reuben–two of her favorite foods. Jean loved playing Pinochle and Bunco with her daughters and was especially fond of visiting with her grand and great-grandchildren. Just days before her death, during a family bowling outing, her unending sense of optimism and love of life was present as she said to her family that she truly had the “time of her life.”
In addition to her beloved husband, John, she is survived by her daughters, Rita (the late Dr. Tom) Sandon and Renee Bresko; step-children, Michael (Andrea) O’Donnell, Kelly (Barb) O’Donnell, Kathy (Rich) Ochmanski, Chris (Walt) O’Donnell-Herrle; grandchildren, Jeannie (Basil) Sandon-Fernimos and Christopher Sandon. Jean is also survived by her 8 step-grandchildren; great-grandchildren, Trenton & Elena; step-great-grandchildren, Kieran & Brendan; sisters, Dora (Dick) VanHorn, Bobbie Heath and many nieces, nephews, dear friends and fellow parishioners.
Funeral Liturgy from Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 N. Harvey Lk. Rd., Highland, Friday, Nov. 3, 10AM. Fr. Leo Lulko will officiate. Burial Highland Cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday 5-9PM & Thursday 1-9PM. Rosary Thursday 6PM. Memorials may be made to Church of the Holy Spirit Building Fund, American Lung Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For more information call 248-684-6645.
Judith Ann Oaks (nee. Jennings)
a longtime resident of Hartland Township, died at her home early Monday morning, November 1, 2006. She was 63 years old.
Born in Windsor, Ontario on August 19, 1943, the daughter of Robert Edward & Morfedd (nee. Jones) Jennings, Judith grew up in Detroit and later moved with her family to Hartland Township. The Jennings were neighbors with the Oaks family and although Judith’s family home was located just beyond the Huron Valley school district line, she met a young man, not from her school, named Robert Oaks at Hickory Ridge Community Church. The young couple soon fell in love and were married on May 23, 1964 at the Church where they first met. Mr. & Mrs. Oaks rented a home a mile down the road from Hickory Ridge Community Church before purchasing a home in Hartland where they began raising their newborn son, Timothy. Years later, they were blessed with the birth of their second son, Jim and would remain in the Hartland area to raise their family. Busy as a mother, homemaker and with work outside of the home, Judy still found time to return to school in Brighton to complete courses for her High School Diploma. In her leisure, she enjoyed gardening with her husband, Arts & Crafts and Jigsaw puzzles–which she had an exceptional talent for. She was a very social woman and made several lasting friendships through her work at Tri-State Medical Supply in Howell, a company she recently celebrated working with for twenty-years. On December 1, 2004, Bob, her beloved husband of forty-years, died at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Superior Township and Judith remained close to her sons and friends in Hartland and Howell. She was a loving wife, great mother and a gift of kind friendship to her many friends who join with her family to mourn her passing and give thanks to God for her life among them.
In addition to her sons, Timothy Oaks and James Oaks, Judith is survived by her brothers, Robert David Jennings, Phillip Jennings; sister, Ruth (Robert) Rudolph and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday 1PM. Rev. Pastor David Hughes will officiate. Burial Oakland Hills Cemetery, Novi. Friends may visit Friday 5-9PM. For more information call 248-684-6645.
Jerome J. Dzienis
of Brighton, formerly of Royal Oak, died early Friday morning, November 3, 2006, at the Howell Care Center after a brief illness. He was 86 years old. Born in Detroit on April 26, 1920, after graduation from high school he was attending trade school for automotive design and courting Maxine Ellis, the sister of his fishing buddy, when Pearl Harbor was attacked late in 1941. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines and shipped off for the South Pacific where he spent the next four years as a Tech Sergeant and Tail Gunner. Jerry and Maxine kept up their correspondence through the war and when he came home they were married in September of 1944. They settled in Royal Oak and he went to work, first with Ford and then with General Motors, where he spent more than thirty years as a Senior Design Engineer. They were long time members of Shrine of the Little Flower Parish in Royal Oak.
After retirement, the Dzienises moved to Hendersonville, North Carolina, then back to Michigan where they lived in Frankenmuth, Troy and finally Brighton where they have made their home since the mid 1990’s.
Jerry Dzienis loved golf, bowling and had a lifelong passion for fishing. He is survived by his wife of over 62 years, Maxine and by his daughter, Marlene (Dan) Lynch of Steilacoom, Washington; a son, Scott (Carol) Dzienis of South Lyon and granddaughters, Amanda Lynch, Katie and Becky Dzienis. A sister, Margie Frey and several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 711 Rickett Road, Brighton, on Monday at 2 PM. Fr. Karl Pung will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford on Sunday from 2-8PM where a Vigil Service will take place at 7 PM. Memorials to the Avalon Hospice of Flint appreciated. Please call 248-684-6645 for additional information.
Everard "Alvin" Taylor
age 90, of Milford, April 27, 2006. Beloved husband of Juanita. Dear father of Sandra (Alfred) Marino, Donna (Frederick) Ray, Nancy (John)Carrier, Cindy (Tim) Kerby And the late Sharon Karrio. 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. Brother of the late Erra M. Shipp.
Funeral from Milford Presbyterian Church, 238 N. Main, Milford, Monday, May 1st, 11 AM. Rev. John Harris to officiate. Burial Roseland Park Cemetery. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday 5-9 PM & Sunday 2-9 PM. For further information call 248-684-6645
Betty Ann (nee. Walker) Ryan
Betty Ann (nee. Walker) Ryan, of Grand Ledge and formerly of Birmingham, Michigan died May 3, 2006 at Independence Village Assisted Living Facility in Grand Ledge. She was 82 years old. Born on July 22, 1923 in York, Pennsylvania, Betty was the daughter of Harry & Margaret (nee. Lehmann) Ernst. She was raised and educated in York, Pennsylvania where she graduated from high school before beginning her longtime work within the medical field, assisting in the management of a local medical practice. Through the years Betty would remain in the Birmingham area, raising her three daughters while enjoying her career outside the home. In 1981 she was preceded in death by her beloved ex-husband and longtime friend, J. Robert Ryan. After suffering a stroke in 1999, she was forced to retire and although she was a very strong and independent woman, Betty found comfort in the assistance and care she later received at Independence Village in Grand Ledge. In addition to her three daughters, Sandy (Peter) Jason, Victoria Giesey-Kassens and Patrice Ryan, she is survived by her grandchildren, Andrew Jason, Molly Jason (Richard) Moye, Nicholas (Sharon Hindes) Jason, John Giesey, Larry Giesey, Todd (Robin) Giesey; great-grandchildren, Michaela & John Giesey, Josh & Leah Giesey, and Gabrielle Giesey.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Monday 11AM. Burial Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield. Friends may visit Sunday 4-8PM. Memorials may be made to a Charity of Choice. For further information phone 248-684-6645.
Gloria Kathleen Corliss
age 76, of Detroit, died suddenly on April 14, 2006. She is survived by her cousins; Janice Ferguson of CO, James Sadler of Milford, David Sadler of Commerce Twp., Steven (Michelle) Sadler of Milford, Carol (Ron) Hughes of Howell & Nancy Sadler of CA. Also leaves dear family friends the Vincentini’s. Ms. Corliss was preceded in death by her parents George & Norah Corliss. She was employed by Michigan Bell for 35 years prior to her retirement in 1982.
A Memorial Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday, May 20th, 11 AM. Memorials may be made to Michigan Humane Society & The Salvation Army. For further information call 248-684-6645.
Helen Marie Toby
age 89, of Detroit, died May 10, 2006. Beloved wife of the late Edward (d. 1986). Loving mother of Sandra (David) Werstine, David M. (Cindy) Regan & Ronald Regan. Grandmother of David A. (Karry) Werstine, Kristen (Dan) Dennister, David Regan. Danny Regan And the late George Regan Knight (d. 1995). Great-Grandmother of Aaron, Ashley, Brendan, Brittney, Regan & Ryan. Sister of Joyce Upson. Sister-in-law of Larry (Linda) Toby. Also leaves many loving extended family members and friends.
Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday, May 13, 9 AM. Rev. John Harris to officiate. Burial Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit. Friends may visit Friday, 4-9 PM. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Wayne Gordon Ackerson
age 58 of Highland died on Sunday, November 20, 2005. Beloved husband of Marina. Loving father of Kristin (Derek Hamlet) Ackerson of Victoria, British Columbia & Lynn (Aaron Macy) Ackerson of Bowling Green, OH. Son of Gordon and the late Florence Ackerson of Apache Junction, AZ. Also survived by his extended family and many dear friends. Wayne was a skilled toolmaker at the Ford Rouge Frame Plant in Dearborn for 31 years and was also a well-known figure in the motorcycle riding community. A Memorial Service will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday, 11AM. Reverend John Harris to officiate. Memorials encouraged to HealthQuarters Ministries, 3620 West Colorado Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80904. For further information phone 248-684-6645.
Neil Andrew Reis
a resident of Milford, died at his home on November 15th, 2005. He was 30 years old. Neil is survived by his mother, Joyce Reis; brother, Robert; grandparents, Evelyn & the late Donald Reis; aunts, Carol (Russ) DeRosa, Phyllis (Don) Rickard; uncles, Don (Vicki) Reis, Ken Reis, Jerry (Nancy) Reis and many dear cousins and good friends. A 2002 graduate of Cloverdale Training Center in Farmington, Neil formerly worked with Freedom Work Opportunity in Highland. He was looking forward to starting his new job at New Horizons next week. Neil loved his family and his dogs, Fritz & Candy, and had a lot of friends who will always remember the hug he had for them. Exceptional Fun Night and Coffee House at the Duck Lake VFW, the bowling alley and Twist-N-Shake were some of his favorite destinations. He was especially happy at Sunday School and music lessons with his favorite teacher, Melvin. With his family, Neil enjoyed trips in the motor home to visit relatives and watching Red Wings games on television. Neil’s spirit and kind heart will be sorely missed. Funeral Service from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday, November 19th, 10 AM. Pastor Richard Pape to officiate. Friends may visit Friday 2-9 PM. Memorials may be made to Christ Lutheran Church. For further information please call 248-684-6645
Michael D. Ferguson
born on March 15, 2005, died suddenly on November 19, 2005. Beloved infant son of Margaret & Michael Ferguson of Wixom Twp. Baby brother of Monica. Grandson of Albert & Josee Stephens, Kim Nash, Chris Ferguson and Randy Skatitkat. Great-grandson of Albert Stephens. Also survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday 2PM. Reverend John Harris to officiate. Friends may visit Tuesday 5-9PM.
Gil V. Kibby
of Commerce Twp. and former resident of Northville for 25 years died suddenly of a heart attack on Friday, November 4, 2005. He was 64 years old. Born in Hanover, New Hampshire, Gil was the son of Gilbert & Muriel (nee. Simm) Kibby and brother of Peter Kibby. He grew up in White River, Vermont and graduated from Hartford High School before beginning his college studies at the University of Maryland. Shortly following graduation Gil married his longtime sweetheart, Cathy Gould in Wilder, Vermont and moved to Detroit to make a home for his family and begin his career with Ford Motor Company. For over 34 years he enjoyed his work with Ford and was grateful for the many friendships he made amongst fellow co-workers. Before his retirement, Gil was highly instrumental in creating job opportunities for young people in the Junior Achievement Program. Gil was a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend and truly found his greatest joys in the company of the people that surrounded him. Notably a marvelous photographer, he also enjoyed golfing with family and friends and loved fishing in the small pond near his home in Commerce. Gil was a selfless man; always quick to give back whenever given anything. Whether amongst his family or co-workers the lasting differences he has made in the lives of others leaves great testament to the great man that he was. In addition to Cathy Kibby, his beloved wife of over 41 years, Gil is survived by his daughter Krista (Bob) Fish; mother, Muriel Kibby; grandchildren, Lauren, Jared and Sarah; nephews, Peter & Mark. He is also survived by his numerous nieces and loving friends. Mr. Kibby was preceded in death by his father, Gilbert Kibby, and brother, Peter Kibby. Funeral from Milford Presbyterian Church, Friday 11 AM. Reverend John Harris to officiate. Interment Oakland Hills Cemetery, Novi. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Wednesday 4-8 PM and Thursday 1-5 PM. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of choice. For further information phone 248-684-6645.
