Judith Ann Bilinski, age 85, passed away on December 31, 2023 at her home in Gregory, Michigan. Judith was born on February 21, 1938 in Dunlevy, Pennsylvania to Leeland and Virginia June (Gard) Haywood. On May 12, 1975 she married Jonathon Bilinski in Detroit, Michigan and he survives. She enjoyed cooking and scrapbooking. She was a homebody that loved living in the country. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children Edward Zalewski, Heath Good, and Tammy Good; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Edward Powell, Linda McCol, and Richard Powell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Susan Shaw. A graveside service will take place Wednesday, January 3, 2024 from Plainfield Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
Sarah "Ann" Liming
Sarah “Ann” Liming, age 82, of Lansing, MI passed away December 23, 2023 in Lansing, MI.
Ann was born March 6, 1941 in Detroit, MI to Carl and Neva (Hoard) Liming. She grew up in Gregory, MI and later moved to and spent the rest of her life in Lansing. She attended nursing school at St. Lawrence, then went on to Michigan State University to earn her Master’s Degree in nursing.
She became a Professor of Nursing at Lansing Community College for more than twenty years. After retiring from teaching and having such a large impact on so many future nurses, some of whom cared for her in her final days, she went on to become an advocate for the hearing impaired. After dealing with hearing loss herself, she devoted herself to advocating for deaf individuals on the state and national level. Ann worked for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights for the Division on Deaf, Deaf/Blind and Hard of Hearing for many years. She also served as President of the National Hearing Loss Association of America.
She was a Spartan at heart and avidly followed MSU basketball and volleyball. She was a devoted dog lover, who rescued several over the years. She enjoyed bowling, craft shows, and gardening. She also enjoyed traveling and went on many lighthouse tours around Michigan.
Ann is survived by her sister, Shirley (Lewis) Moss of Gregory, her niece, Theresa (Jeff) Best of Stockbridge, her nephews, Tim (Beth) Moss and William (Kaila) Figueroa, and great-nephews, Reese Best and AJ Best.
Visitation will be held at the Gregory Community Church, 126 Church St., Gregory, MI, on Thursday, December 28, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at the church on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dan Miller officiating. Burial will be at Plainfield Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Hearing Loss Association of America, the American Humane Society, or the Gregory Community Church.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI.
Frank Joseph Pignanelli
Frank Joseph Pignanelli passed on to his eternal home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Chelsea Hospital with family members by his side. He was born on May 10, 1937 in Dearborn, Michigan to immigrant parents who had emigrated from San Giovanni en Fiore in Calabria, Italy.
He attended school in Dearborn graduating from Fordson High School in 1955. His parents, Battista and Rose (Iaquinta) Pignanelli, a stone mason and a housewife, were thrilled when their only son was accepted at the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. His entire family, including his older sisters, Mary and Francisca, made many sacrifices to finance his pursuit. Upon graduation in 1960, he became the first in his immediate family to earn a college degree.
It was at UofM that he met his future wife and fellow student, Sharon Lee McKay. Upon her graduation in 1961, they were married at St. Clement Church in Dearborn. That union resulted in the birth of two children, Lisa Marie Pignanelli (Ivey) born at Ireland Army Hospital in Fort Knox, Kentucky in 1963, near the end of his military service, and John Christopher, born in Ann Arbor in 1965. Lisa and Clark Ivey in turn gifted him with three beloved grandchildren; Brett (UofM 2019), Megan (CMU 2020) and Trent (UofM 2022).
The return to civilian life in 1964 and reemployment with Cunningham Drugs, marked the resumption of a long career in retail pharmacy which concluded with his retirement from Rite Aid in 2000. As each company was purchased by another he continued to be employed as a pharmacy manager by Apex and Perry Drugs. Along the way, he maintained a relationship with the School of Pharmacy and was a preceptor for students for many years.
He was a member of St. Mary of Chelsea Catholic Church, K of C Council #3092, and K of C 4th Degree Assembly #0489, where he served in the Color Corp.
The long and varying hours of retail pharmacy left little time for volunteer activities, so once retired, Frank began making up for lost time. For a number of years, he was in charge of many projects for the Knights of Columbus Council #3092 including the Tootsie Roll Campaign and Bingo at the County Fair. The St. Louis Center Golf Outing also enjoyed his volunteer organizing efforts. He was involved early on in setting up and organizing volunteers for what is now known throughout the region as the Chelsea Sounds and Sights Festival. He shared his enthusiasm as a member of the Chelsea Senior Center Board, and his rich baritone voice as a member of the St. Mary choir and the Chelsea Senior Center Barbershop Quartet.
Frank was always ready to pack his bags and go, so he eagerly accompanied his wife on business trips as she traveled to Adelaide, Australia, the Fiji islands, Hawaii or other US destinations.
Retirement offered additional time to take many cruises to locations in the Caribbean along with Italy and other European countries.
Frank loved his family, his Catholic faith, his friends, music of all kinds from opera to RAP, sports and his beloved University of Michigan. He will be dearly missed by all who experienced his outgoing personality and his always smiling face.
Forever Go Blue!
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Friday, December 29, 2023, from 2-4 p.m. & 6-8 p.m., with a Rosary/Vigil at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends at the church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 30, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church Music Ministry or the St. Louis Center.
David C. Mitchell
David C. Mitchell, age 68, of Stockbridge, MI, passed away on December 14, 2023 in Owosso, MI.
David was born on July 1, 1955 in Hudson, MI, the son of William and Eleanor (Felkey) Mitchell. He grew up in Pinckney, graduating from Pinckney High School in 1973, and then he worked for many years in construction. He eventually moved to Stockbridge, MI, where he resided for the past 20 years. David liked spending time outdoors, especially fishing. He also enjoyed bowling. He was a tinkerer and could fix most anything.
He is survived by his sister, Shirley Mitchell of Chelsea, and a brother, Thomas Mitchell of Republic, MI; and his nephews, Ronald Labelle and George William Darrow. He was preceded in death by his wife and a sister-in-law, Kathryn Mitchell.
Per his wishes, cremation has taken place and all services are private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
Christopher Mark Tompkins
Christopher Mark Tompkins of Grass Lake, Michigan passed away on December 13, 2023 at his home. He was born the son of Orville and Patricia (Ringquest) Tompkins on October 10, 1954.
On December 31, 1975, he married Robin L. Waite, and she survives. Chris was a building and remodeling contractor and a craftsman. He enjoyed working with his hands, making picnic tables and other items for his family. He was a perfectionist in his craft. He loved hosting "cookie school" for his kids and grandchildren, pottery and photography. He was also cherished as the pie master on all the holidays. His children and grandchildren loved his storytelling, sometimes telling stories all night long.
In addition to his wife Robin, he is survived by his children, Andrea Tompkins, Justin (Stacey) Tompkins, Mary Tompkins, Robert Tompkins, and Brianna Tompkins; grandchildren, Evan, Ava, Noah, Jonathan, Matthew, Annabella, Emmett, Emilee and Iridian. Chris is also survived by his siblings, Bradford (Kathy) Tompkins, Susan (“Rick") Brown, Mary Ann (Robert) Shears, and Dane Tompkins. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family will receive friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Monday, December 18, 2023 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at the Pious Union of St. Joseph in Grass Lake, Michigan on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. with Fr. Leo Joseph officiating. A private burial will take place at Mt. Hope Waterloo Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
Floyd D. Campbell
Floyd D. Campbell, age 89, of Pinckney, MI, passed away on December 10, 2023, just a week shy of what would have been his 90th birthday.
Floyd was born on December 18, 1933 in Ypsilanti, Michigan to George “Frank” and Marion (Daggett) Campbell. As a young boy he spent summers at his parents’ home on Portage Lake and never left. He loved messing around with boats and the water and, in his later years, was affectionately known as “The Mayor of Portage Lake.”
A veteran of the Korean War, Floyd returned to Portage Lake and married his wife, Geraldine (York), on April 4, 1959 in Maybee, MI. They lived on the lake for the past 64 ½ years. He worked as a Millwright and Inspector at the Ypsilanti Ford Motor Plant for 44 years. After his retirement, he worked at Varsity Ford for 24 years.
Floyd made the perfect Manhattan and was a great Euchre player. He was a passionate collector of toy trains and antique outboard motors. During the holidays, he would wear his train cap and conductor’s watch and display his trains at area holiday parties so he could share his love of trains with others. Floyd was also a member of The Antique Outboard Motor Club and participated in many local shows, often winning ribbons for his efforts.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dexter where he was a 4th Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus and served as Purser for many years. He was also a member of the Dexter American Legion Post 557.
Surviving are his wife, Geraldine, a daughter, Denise (Mark Allen) Campbell of New Jersey, two granddaughters, two granddogs, and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his three sisters, Alice (Robert) Rawson of Chelsea, Kay (Richard) Stanley of California, and Frances Hunn of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter, Ann.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, December 17, 2023, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., with a Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be held at the church on Monday from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be prayed on Monday, December 18, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Joseph Country Church, 6805 Mast Rd., Dexter, with Fr. Brendan J. Walsh presiding.
Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion in Dexter, St. Joseph Catholic Church, or the St. Louis Center.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
Judith Kay Meyer Smith
Judith Kay Meyer Smith, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 9, 2023 at her home. Judy was born on August 16, 1938 in Ferndale, MI to Edward and Julia (Sampson) Meyer. She married Don Eugene Phillip Smith on May 25, 1963 in Ann Arbor, MI, and they moved to the Chelsea area in 1970 where they raised their four children.
After earning a PhD in Education from the University of Michigan, Judy served as the Director of Special Education for the Ingham County Intermediate School District. Her passions included gardening, shopping, and teaching children how to read. Her friends remember her as a warm and generous presence who always kept an open house and an open heart.
Judy is survived by her children, Julia (Jason Larke) Smith of Saline, Zachary (Barbie) Smith of Virginia, Kimberly Smith of Chelsea, and Joshua (Deanna) Smith of Massachusetts; six grandchildren; and two siblings, John (Ginny) Meyer of Pontiac, and Carol (John) Hill of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Susan Meyer, and a brother, Edward Meyer.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reading Recovery Council of North America. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Darlene (Jarvis) Palka
Darlene Palka, age 65, of South Lyon, MI, passed away on December 10, 2023 at Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi.
Darlene was born in Pikeville, KY on November 26, 1958, the daughter of Esau and Betty (Elkins) Jarvis. She graduated from Chelsea High School, Class of 1976. Darlene enjoyed working several years at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital both in Chelsea and in Ann Arbor, MI. She spent many happy years living near the chain of lakes in Pinckney, where summer time was her favorite season. She loved being at the beach and in the sun. Darlene had a passion for gardening, baking and cooking. She cherished time with her grandchildren, and she was an animal lover. She also enjoyed watching game shows and the occasional casino trip.
Darlene will be deeply missed by her daughters, Stephanie (Mark) Donahue and Brittany (Chris) Wilson; her grandchildren, Brianna, Alexandria, Charlotte, and Tomi; and a host of loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Palka, and sister, Charlene Walz.
Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.
For those considering sending flowers, the family’s preferred flower shop is Chelsea Village Flowers, 112 E Middle St., Chelsea, Mi 48118, (734) 433-1416.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.
Betty J. Stoffer
Betty J. Stoffer, age 86, of Dexter, MI, peacefully passed away on December 8, 2023, at Birchwood Retreat in Chelsea, Michigan. Betty was born on April 12, 1937, the daughter of Charles and Frances (Kasper) Smith. Her life was deeply woven into the Chelsea/Dexter area, where she resided for most of her life, graduating from Chelsea High School in 1955.
She married William A. Stoffer in 1957, they enjoyed 41 years of marriage before he passed in 1998. Betty enjoyed living on the farm, gardening, and cooking. She was a strong supporter of the Chelsea Community Fair, serving as the Floriculture Superintendent for many years.
Beyond the farm, Betty enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing and hunting. She and Bill embarked on annual Western expeditions, venturing to hunt mule deer and antelope. She often sat beside her husband in the hunting blind.
Betty enjoyed playing Bingo, a trip to the casino, and bowling. But above all, family was everything to her. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Betty's life will be remembered for her commitment to family and her adventurous spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and warmth.
Betty is survived by her children, Pam (Chuck) Broderick of Grass Lake, and Ron (Tracie) Stoffer of Dexter; three grandchildren, Ellie (Charlie) McCalla, Christy Broderick, and Gibson Stoffer; and two great-grandchildren, Piper Jane and Campbell June; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William, a sister, Marion Livingston, and two brothers, Charles Smith and Jerry Smith.
Visitation will be held at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, December 11, 2023, 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Kurt Hutchens officiating.
Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Dexter, MI.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chelsea Community Fair.
Thomas J. Boylan
Thomas J. Boylan, age 67, of Rochester Hills, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 7, 2023, after a short illness at Ascension Providence Hospital in Rochester, MI.
Born on May 3, 1956, in Jackson, MI, to Keith and Agnes (Forner) Boylan, Tom grew up in Chelsea, where he graduated from Chelsea High School in 1974. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Services from Central Michigan University. Many career moves led him to South Bend, IN, where he met his wife. After they married on August 12, 1996, they moved to Rochester Hills, MI, where they have resided for the past 26 years.
Before retiring, Tom last worked as the Banquet Director Crank's Catering in Shelby Twp. Tom's true joy came from spending time with his family and friends. He was an avid golfer, enjoyed reading, and a good cigar. He brought great food and lots of laughter to every family function. His family meant everything to him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Karie Ann (Uhrynowski); four siblings, Jim (Cheryl) Boylan of Grayling, Janet (Richard Peterson) Boylan of Pensacola, FL, Barb (Steve) Boylan Lewis of Chelsea, and Mary (Richard) Reisinger of Matthews, North Carolina; sister-in-law, Kathryn Bauss of Sterling Heights, his mother-in-law, JoAnn Uhrynowski of Shelby Twp.; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Keith and Agnes Boylan, and father-in-law, Eugene Uhrynowski.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 15, 2023, from 5-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea; also at church on Saturday from 10-11 a.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2023, 11:00 a.m., at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea, MI with V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Corner Shower and Laundry, 1950 Trumbull, Detroit, MI 48216 (313) 400-7040, or the Chelsea Alumni Association.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
