Jack Qualman
Age 90, passed away on November 8, 2005. He was born July 2, 1915 in Saginaw, MI. Jack secured sponsorship to General Motors Institute in 1933, enabling him to fund his college education during the depth of the Depression. He graduated in 1937 with high honors as a mechanical engineer and began a 44-year career with General Motors. He was soon involved with the design of the Hydra-Matic, the world’s first automatic transmission. Jack designed automatic transmissions for military vehicles during WWII and went on to specialize in transmission design receiving several patents for his innovations. He retired as chief engineer of Hydra-Matic Division, in 1977. Jack and Amy, his wife of 64 years, found a lifetime of enjoyment in family, friends, travel and golf. He greatly enjoyed fishing in northern Canada with his sons and grandsons. Jack will be dearly missed by his wife, Amy, sons; Jack Jr “Jay”(Brook) and Alfred (Connie), sister Betty (Robert 1989), brothers Walter (Donna 2005), Thomas (Charlotte), Robert 1967 (Ardith d.) and his grandchildren, Jack III (Helene), Erik, Matthew (Mary Alison), Holly (John Preville) and Heather. A Memorial Service is planned for 11 AM on Friday, November 25th in Saginaw, MI at the Oakwood Mausoleum. Memorials to the Macular Degeneration Foundation, Inc. 888-633-3937. For further information please call at 248-684-6645.
Sandra May Morris
age 60, of Wixom, died November 11, 2005. Loving mother of Jeffrey B. (Suzanne)Morris & Christopher J. (Cathy)Morris. Grandmother of 5. Sister of Sharon (Bob) Giuliani, Jim (Karen) Schenck & Janice (Richard) Weston. Loving Aunt of Cheryl, Bob, Jason & Ryan. Also survived by many dear friends. Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday, November 12th, 6 PM. Friends may visit Saturday 4 – 6 PM. Memorials may be made to: Lance Armstrong Foundation. For further information please contact Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Milford 248-684-6645.
Stephen P. Spelic
age 48 of Milford, died November 11, 2005. Dear companion of Larissa. Loving father of Jason and Stacy. Son of the late Paul (d.2004) and Joanne Spelic (d.2001). Brother of Patricia (Robert) Pitingolo, Richard (Pinna) and Jerome (Anne). Also survived by many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 East Liberty, Milford, Wednesday, 2 PM. Father Leo Lulko to officiate. Friends may visit from 12 PM until time of service. Burial Milford Memorial Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Mary Eileen Korpela
a resident of Hartland, and former resident of Commerce, died of heart failure on November 2, 2005. She was 66 years old. Born on June 2, 1939 in Jamaica, New York, she was the daughter of Harry Huebner and Margaret Walker Huebner and grew up in New York, where she was a graduate of Richmond Hill High School. On November 9, 1957 she married Lari Korpela, her childhood sweetheart. They were blessed with the births of two sons, and in 1974 moved to Commerce, Michigan, where they made their home, before moving to Hartland eight years ago. Mary, or “Mrs. K” as the students knew her, worked at Walled Lake Western High School for over twenty-two years, serving as Secretary to the Assistant Principal and later assisted with computer entry, before retiring in 1999. In recent years she enjoyed working for Hartland Schools, assisting students on bus rides and helping in the lunch room. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and Friends of the Hartland Library, where she volunteered her time. In her spare time she loved to garden, plant flowers, shop and travel. Some of her most special trips with her husband, were the opportunities to take their grandchildren to the homeland of Finland. She took charge, and good care of her family, was very proud of her sons, and loved her grandchildren dearly. In addition to Lari, her husband of forty-eight years, she is survived by her sons, Lari (Cindy) Korpela of Livonia, Robert (Susan) Korpela of Connecticut; grandchildren, Jessica, Emily, Ashley, Taylor, Jami-Lynn; dear friend, Mary (Randy) Wilson and many other dear friends who join her family in mourning her passing and giving thanks to God for her life among them. Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday 10 AM. Pastor Don Kirkland to officiate. Interment Oakland Hills Cemetery, Novi. Friends may visit Friday 4-9 PM. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, Southeast Michigan Office, 30300 Telegraph Road, Suite 117, Bingham Farms, MI, 48025. For further information please call 248-684-6645.
Patrick W. Vernier
age 35 of Millington, formerly of Highland, November 4, 2005 Beloved husband of Marie Loving father of: Duane & P.J. Vernier and Dusty & Jonathan O’Berry Son of the late Wayne & Susan Vernier Brother of: Kim (Matt) Barber of Holly Jason (Danette) Vernier of Waterford April Collins of TN Wayne C. Vernier, III of Pontiac Grandson of Wayne Vernier Son-in-law of Jack & Lola Rogers Funeral Service from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Tuesday 11AM. Friends may visit Sunday 3-9PM and Monday 2-9PM. Memorials may be made to the family. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Valentine, Willie
a longtime resident of the Highland area died at his home in Pinconning on early Saturday morning, October 29, 2005. He was 74 years old. Born in Knox County, Kentucky on April 15, 1931, he was the son of Edward and Lilly Meredith Valentine. At age 17 Willie came north to Detroit to work in the Hudson Motor Car factory and in the early 1950’s he married Charlene Cherry and they moved to Rowe Lake in Milford where they raised their family, enjoying coon hunting, fishing and Sunday dinners. Though the marriage ended in 1968, Willie remained close with his family and from 1976 until 1985 he worked with his sons after he formed the Valentine Paving Company. He was a member of the Highland Moose and Eagles Lodge. In 1985 he moved to Pinconning where he opened Valentine Bar & Lounge. Willie Valentine worked hard all his life to provide for his family. His home was always open to his family. Willie Valentine is survived by his daughters, Cindy (Mike) Eversole, Darcia (Vic) Ranbarger and Stacy Valentine, and his sons, Edward (Georgia) Valentine, Jeff (Jody) Valentine, and Willie Valentine. He was preceded in death by his son, Clay Valentine in 1997. Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, brothers, Perry Valentine and Caleb Valentine and many nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. Two brothers, Dallas and Hubert Valentine, and two sisters, Shelly Abner and Irene McDonald, also preceded him in death. Funeral services are scheduled for Tuesday, November 1, 2005 at 11 AM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home in Milford. The Reverend Greg Mayberry will officiate. Friends may visit Monday, October 31st, 4-9 PM. Following cremation, he will be buried back home in Knox County, Kentucky.
Shirley MacNicol
age 74 of Hartland, formerly of Northville, October 25, 2005 Beloved wife of William R. Loving mother of: Renee (Richard) LaPorte of Northville Cynthia (Chuck) Cekala of FL Tracey (Ted) Martin of Walled Lake William A. MacNicol of Monroe 9 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren Sister of Eleanor Burton of Northville & the late Helen Hurlbutt Funeral Services will be held at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, on Friday, October 28, at 2PM. Burial will follow at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly. Friends may visit Thursday 2-9PM. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO BOX 22718, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, or Lighthouse Hospice, 24293 Telegraph Road, Suite 102, Southfield,MI, 48034. For further information please phone 248-684-6645.
Pamela Ann McLaughlin (nee. Klavanian)
of Hazel Park, died on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 in Commerce Township in the loving care of family and friends. She was 44 years old. Born on May 21, 1961 in Livonia, Pam was one of two children born to Samuel & Jeannette Klavanian. At the age of twelve her family moved from Livonia to Commerce Township, where Pam attended Lakeland High School. After graduation, she continued her education-majoring in Accounting at Northwood University in Midland, Michigan and shortly after College, moved to Orlando, Florida where she made several lasting friendships. She later returned to Michigan to be close to her family and began her work at the Detroit Yacht Club, where she was renowned as everyone’s favorite waitress & bartender. In April of 2004, Pam was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Throughout her treatment, Pam remained wonderfully brave and graceful; never losing sight of the love of family that surrounded her. Even in her last days in the care of Hospice, she was memorably optimistic, humorous and fun to be around. Pam loved having a good time and never shied away from a party. Her outgoing personality and sense of humor drew a host of many close friends. She loved dancing and reading (mostly romance & mystery), and especially enjoyed attending the Woodward Dream Cruise and opening day at Tiger’s Stadium and Comerica Park. Above all, Pam loved being a mom. Whether the moments were shared on long walks or shopping trips, special New Year’s Eve get-togethers at the Holiday Inn, or just talking, the time she was able to spend with her cherished daughters, Samantha & Amanda, gave her the greatest joys of her life. Pam was preceded in death by her father, Samuel Klavanian and mother, Jeannette Klavanian. In addition to her daughters, Samantha and Amanda McLaughlin, she is survived by her brothers, David Klavanian and Christopher Klavanian; sister, Heather (Marcus) Panzitta; step-mother, Alice Klavanian; and grandmother, Rahon Klavanian. Also surviving are her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many dear friends who join with her family in mourning her passing and celebrating her life among them. Funeral from Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Saturday at 1PM. Fr. Leo Lulko will officiate. Cremation will follow. Friends may visit Friday 5-9PM. For further information phone 248-684-6645
Raphaela T. Spry
of Milford, December 10, 2004 age 82. Wife of the late Robert C. Spry (d.1997), Loving mother of Barbara, Robert T. (Sharon), Mary, and Timothy (Milissa) Spry. Also many extended family members and friends. Funeral Mass and burial are private. For further information phone Lynch & Sons/Milford at 248.684.6645
Julia Sergi
age 84 of Holly, formerly of Dearborn Heights, December 11, 2004 Loving wife of the late Floyd (D.2002) Dear mother of: Valerie Sergi Charlene (Albert) Podgorniak Gail (James) Gibson 9 Grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren Sister of: Pauline Makowski and Blanche Murowski Funeral from Church of the Holy Spirit, 3700 North Harvey Lake Road, Highland, Tuesday 10 AM. Father Leo Lulko to officiate. Burial St. Johns Cemetery, Fenton. Friends may visit at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Sunday 5-7 PM and Monday 12-9 PM. A Rosary will be held Monday at 7PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association. For further information please call 248-684-6645
Judy May Childs, age 61 of Milford
Judy May Childs, a life long resident of Milford, died at her home there on Friday, December 10, 2004 of heart failure. She was 61 years old. Born on October 18, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Clara (d.1980) and Clayton (d. 1966) Childs. Judy graduated from Milford High School in the early 1960’s and was active, along with her mother and sisters, in the Milford Rebekah Lodge #511. For years she worked in the Milford D & C Store on Main Street. In January of 1986, on the day of the Challenger Space Shuttle tragedy, Judy was hit by a vehicle as she was crossing Main Street. After days in a coma and brain surgery at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital, she spent months in rehab at William Beaumont Hospital before moving to Appletree Group Rehab Center in Belleview. Her goal was always to get back to Milford to be among her family and friends. Ten years ago Judy moved into her apartment on Summit Street in Milford. She was a long time member of the Milford Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir, she loved taking photos especially of family and friends, enjoyed crossword puzzles and loved her ten nieces, nephews and twenty grandnieces and nephews. Also surviving are her brother, Gary Childs of Linden, and sisters, Joyce (James) Wilson of Milford, and Linda (Ernie) Miller of Lapeer. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home 404 E. Liberty, Milford, Rev. John Harris officiating. Burial in Milford Memorial Cemetery. Friends may visit on Sunday from 4-9PM and Monday from 2-9PM. Memorials to the Diabetes Association appreciated. For further information phone 248.684.6645
