Memorials and Tributes
Memorials and Tributes
Commemorate a significant occasion or honor a special person
Some people leave lasting impacts on our lives – impacts that inspire us to pour into other people’s lives. You can make a gift in memory of or in honor of an individual who inspired you to give to St. Louis Center’s mission.
Make a gift in memory of someone or in honor of a special person or occasion.
Giving in Memory or Tribute
Remembering an important person or honoring a special occasion in your life with a gift to St. Louis Center is a great way to make a personal and lasting tribute. Just note on your check or the online form that your gift is in memory or in honor of someone you care about.
St. Louis Center will send a letter to the honoree or family of the deceased to notify them of your gift, without stating the amount. If you would like this notification to be sent, please provide the notificant’s name and address in the appropriate field when you make your gift online or in a note when you send a check to St. Louis Center, 16195 Old US 12, Chelsea, MI 48118.
Who can I speak with about donating to St. Louis Center?
St. Louis Center’s Development Department staff would be happy to speak with you about your giving options and to answer any questions you may have about the Center, its programs, and its vision for the future.
Email slcdev@stlouiscenter.org or call 734-475-8430 x260.
Or, we invite you to visit St. Louis Center to see our facility and the good work we do. Schedule a visit today!
An acknowledgment will be sent to you for your tax-deductible gift.
Monthly or Quarterly Donors –
Join the Bosatta Society!
If you check the box “Show my support by making this a recurring donation” you may choose to receive a book about Blessed Clare Bosatta and recognition on our website. Learn more here…
Have something else to donate?
We welcome your help in keeping the 64 residents at the Center clothed, fed, and engaged each day, and to provide a safe, clean and cheerful environment. We rely on a wide variety of in-kind donations. Learn more here…
Lasting gifts and other ways to give
There are many ways to make a lasting gift or to have your support go further, including employer match programs, pledges, gifts of stock, IRA distributions, planned gifts and bequests, or real estate. Learn more here…
If you are interested in any of these forms of support, please contact the Development Department.
St. Louis Center is thankful for your support!
Remembering Our Residents
Thomas Schumacher
September 5, 1941 – July 14, 2022
Thomas Schumacher was born to Stephen and Stephanie Schumacher on September 5, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended the Lenox Center for years with other disabled young adults. After his parents passed away, his care fell under the responsibility of his sister, Dorothy Thompson. He moved to the Lansing area and worked for several businesses, including Peckham Inc. Tom also lived in Ann Arbor for several years and worked for Chi-Chi’s and Kroger’s. Once he “retired,” he attended an adult day program called The Oaks. In 2018, Tom moved to St. Louis Center where he resided for the last four years. He enjoyed the activities, shared meals, programs, attended Mass, and delivered Meals on Wheels with the other residents. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Stephanie, and his brother-in-law, John Thompson. He is survived by his sister, Dorothy, two nieces, one nephew, four grandnephews, and several cousins. The Center has quickly filled the niche for older adults with I/DD who are in need of a ‘forever home.’ A forever home provides peace of mind for people who wonder who will care for their loved ones if something happens to them. St. Louis Center is there not only for persons with I/DD, but for their families as well.
Dawn Dietrich
February 6, 1965 – November 30, 2021
Dawn Dietrich was a gift to all who knew her. She was the only child of a mother who taught her the true meaning of love and self-sacrifice. Dawn was born with Down Syndrome and her mother, Judi Black, was her constant advocate ensuring that her needs were always met. Judi spent every bit of her energy to provide Dawn with the best care possible leading to her placement at St. Louis Center in November 2006. Throughout her years as a resident of SLC, she taught others around her what it means to love. She loved music, her friends (who were known as her ‘soul sisters’), and she especially loved her ‘Mama Judi.’
Julian Lamont Early
October 7, 1960 – March 14, 2020
Julian Lamont Early was a longtime resident who passed peacefully unto the Lord on the morning of March 14, 2020, at the age of 59. Julian always knew that SLC was his home, and all the residents were all members of his extended family. Julian was born in Detroit, MI, on October 7, 1960, and he had been a resident of SLC since October 26, 1974. Julian’s smile could light up a room, and everyone loved him because he was such a gentle soul. He had a great love of sports, especially the Detroit Tigers and Detroit Red Wings, and he also enjoyed bowling, dancing, bingo, watching NASCAR racing on television, and Bible study. In previous years he worked at Cottage Inn and Macaroni Grill in Ann Arbor through Michigan Ability Partners, and his last job was working in the dining room at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital – Chelsea. Julian’s parents were Samuel Allen Early, Jr. and Marjorie Settles- Washington and they preceded him in death. He is survived by his half-brothers Walter House (Eleanor) of Reynoldsburg, OH, Stuart House (Kathleen) of Orinda, CA, and brother Allen Early III of Detroit. Burial will take place at the Chattanooga National Veterans Cemetery in Tennessee. A memorial service took place to honor Julian at SLC. Remembering Our Supporters
William “Bill” Shurtliff
April 24, 1947 – July 5, 2023
Bill Shurtliff, dearly beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, was born to eternal life on July 5, 2023. He was a much-loved Ann Arbor artist. Bill was born April 24, 1947, to Lewis William (“Bill”) and Evelyn (Byrd) Shurtliff, in Ann Arbor. Following his service in the US Army in the late 60s, Bill attended UofM. While in college he married his wife Janet, and together they raised their family and developed a business based on Bill’s talents, including drawings of St. Louis Center. Bill had a deep love for the “guys” he cared for in the late 90s and early 2000s at the Center. Read the full obituary here…
John “Jack” Dunn
October 22, 1934 – May 22, 2023
John Dunn age 88, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on May 22, 2023 at his home at Cavanaugh Lake. “Jack” was born on October 22, 1934 in Ann Arbor, MI to John F. and Eva H. (West) Dunn. Jack was a long-time resident and business owner in Chelsea. He married the love of his life and best friend, Nancy (Luhrs), on July 21, 1956, and they enjoyed 65 years of marriage until she passed away in 2021. They grew up as best friends, married, and together built a family, a business, and raised three children in Chelsea: Kathy Dunn Finger, Kimberly S. Tapping, and John F. Dunn.
Janet Ammann
John Betley
Christina Colleta
Peter Colizzi
Douglas Wayne Connelley
John De Rose
John “Jack” Dunn
Arlene L. Grau
Don Kruszewski
Frances Lammers
Alice Ledwidge
Christine Meyers
Samuel Pizzo
William “Bill” Shurtliff
Edna Skop
George Merkel
June 6, 1929 – February 23, 2023
George Merkel died Thursday, February 23, 2023, at Chelsea Retirement Community. George was born on June 6, 1929, to Joseph and Florence (Latreille Doll) Merkel in a farmhouse across from the present-day Chrysler Proving Grounds. In 1948, he married Nancy Ellen Clark, a union that lasted for 62 years, until death separated George from the love of his life. Together, they raised seven children. George began life as a farm boy, but tried his hand at many occupations over the years. George hauled milk, drove a semi, owned a service station, owned a bar, and eventually returned to farming, which he enthusiastically continued until a stroke forced him into retirement at the age of 88. Years after his stroke, although he was completely bed- bound, he spent his time dreaming of the crops he’d plant “next spring”. He was proud to be named as the Farmer of the Year at the Washtenaw County Agriculture Banquet in 2018. The same year, he received a Recognition Award from St. Louis Center.
Ronald Hingst
June 7, 1947 – October 12, 2022
Ron Hingst of Howell, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2022. He was 75 years old. Ron was born in Detroit, MI in 1947. Growing up in Metro Detroit, he developed a life-long love for hockey & Gordie Howe. He served in the U.S. Army for two years. He graduated from Wayne State University. As a PR professional, he worked at Franco’s and was the VP of PR at Domino’s Pizza in the late 80s. He then ran his own PR business for 25 years before retiring in 2020. Ron was also devoted to works of charity, offering his services to many worthy causes including St. Louis Center. He was cochair of the Golf & Glory committee for 20 years and even provided voice and other talent for the 50th Anniversary video about the Center’s history. He was honored at Paesano’s dinner in June 2021. Son of the late Alfred and Catherine Hingst, Ron was the loving husband of the late Diane (Diehl) Hingst; he’s survived by his children, Kristopher (Allison) Hingst, Katie (Andrew) Morland; grandchildren, Jacob Hingst, Caleb Morland, Cameron Hingst, and Reagan Morland; also, many extended family and dear friends. A memorial luncheon was held on October 24, 2022 at the Gazebo Banquet Center in Warren. Anthony Basso
Helen Marie Boyea
Brenda Buss
Maryan “Myron” Czubko Jr.
Irene D’Orazio
Dante Di Gaetano
Marilyn Sally Fett
Fr. Ray Goehring
Sr. Helen Hankerd
Cheryl Houk
Joseph “Joe” Joseph
Nadine Koch
Luigi LaMarra
Marliyn Mast
Robert “Bob” Munie
Virginio Persiconi
Susan Reetz
Dianna Thomasian
Mamie Abbruzzese
Edda D’Aloisio
Carolyn DiComo
Angeline Eder
Mary Frisinger
Frank Guidobono
Ken Hardin
Sharon Hoffman
Ray Kemner
Michael Morgan
Frank Spagnuolo Sr.
Michael T. Trese, MD
Steven Trinkle
Ed Waldecker
Gordon Whitaker
Antoinette “Toni” Walker
September 3, 1940 – May 8, 2022
Antoinette (Toni) Gaudet Walker, age 81, of Ann Arbor, Michigan passed away peacefully at home, with her family by her side, on Sunday, May 8, 2022. Toni was born September 3, 1940, in Chelsea, MA to Margaret and Anthony Gaudet. Toni graduated from Notre Dame High School in Cambridge, MA in 1958 and earned her degree in Secretarial Science from Pierce Secretarial School in Boston. Nearly 55 years ago, Toni married Donald Walker, in Chelsea, MA. They had a wonderful life together, starting their family in Dedham, MA and relocating to Ann Arbor in 1979. Toni would say that she moved to the Midwest, ‘kicking and screaming’ but ended up loving her home, the Midwest, and the Ann Arbor community. Don and Toni enjoyed traveling extensively and spending time with friends and family around the country and the world. Toni is survived by her husband, Donald Walker of Ann Arbor; Daughter Kim Walker (Michael Callas) of Vail, CO. Daughter Lauren Gerrity (Pat) of Ann Arbor, MI. Daughter Stacey Oldham (Matt Oldham) of Victor, ID. Sister Rovena Forest of Visalia, CA, and grandchildren Nyko Callas, Autumn Gerrity, and Gretel and Charlie Oldham. She was preceded in death by her parents, Anthony and Margaret Gaudet. Sr. Margaret Mary Schissler
June 13, 1954 – January 18, 2022
The world is definitely a better place because of the life of Sr. Margaret Mary Schissler, known as “Peg’’ to her family and “Sr. M&M” to all. Born June 13, 1954 in Evergreen Park, IL to Joseph and Margaret Schissler, the third of three children, ‘Peg” was a gregarious and happy child. She was drawn to active religious life with the Daughters of St. Mary of Providence because of her encounters with the sisters who cared for her own sister, Mary Agnes, a resident at St. Mary of Providence in Chicago. September 8, 1977, Margaret Mary became a Postulant at St. Mary’s in Chicago. She coined a phrase that has become synonymous with her smile and wit, and still serves as a strong motto and motivation, “It’s great to be a DSMP!” Sr. M&M made her Perpetual Profession on August 15, 1985. Sr. M&M served in different capacities for the Congregation including at Our Lady of Providence in Northville and as Pastoral Associate at the Pious Union of St. Joseph from 2009-2013. Sr. M&M died quietly on January 18, 2022 at Mt. St. Joseph, Lake Zurich.
Nancy Brewer
James Cornils
Dr. Irving Feller
Marie Fischer
Leo Hollenbeck
Elaine Knickerbocker
Alice Lirette
Richard “Dick” Lutovsky
Pietro Mauti
Nancy Townsend Reynolds
Dr. Jerry Waldyke
James “Jamie” Bollinger
Victor Coval
Joseph Franklin
Lloyd Grau
Elisabeth Hartmann
Viola Harvey
Luigi Iannone
Donald Kvarnberg
Lou LaRiche
David McLaughlin
Rev. John R. Morris
Mary Panackia
Joseph Schwartzenberger
Jeanne Stapish
Elizabeth “Liz” Hollo
January 21, 1945 – December 29, 2021
Liz Hollo was born in Augusta Georgia January 21, 1945. She married Richard in 1967 and they moved to Chelsea in 1978. Liz was one of those individuals who always did for others. She was a nurse for Chelsea Community Hospital in the head/pain unit for over 25 years, and was a faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and loved participating in the Lenten Fish Fry events. Liz and Richard were also devoted supporters of St. Louis Center. They volunteered for and attended many SLC fundraising events throughout the years. They also traveled on the SLC Dream Tours. They both made promises as Guanellian Cooperators in 2015. After battling a long illness, Liz passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family December 29, 2021. Tilde Elsa “Margherita” Mucci
August 20, 1938 – October 10, 2021
Tilde Elsa “Margherita” Mucci was called home to Our Lord, the morning of Sunday, October 10th at the age of 83, embraced in the love of her family surrounding her. She was the youngest of four children, born on August 20, 1938, in Montelongo (Molise), Italy. Margherita came to America in 1957 at age 18. Margherita was an extraordinary woman. Her strength and perseverance were beyond measure and her love was penetrating. She was a loving wife to her husband, Pietro, and together they created a home rooted in Italian heritage. Through her faith, dedication to tradition, and love of food, she raised her three tenacious sons. From this tradition, Mama Mucci’s Pasta was born in 1989 by her sons, Vincenzo and Francesco, based off the recipes and techniques learned from her mother. The success of Mama Mucci’s Pasta is endowed to the hard work of her sons, the irresistibility of her pasta and Mama herself. SLC is a grateful recipient of the Mucci family’s generosity. Margherita was preceded in death by her husband Pietro “Pete” Mucci. Those left to cherish her memory include her children Anthony (Patricia), Vincenzo (Amy) and Francesco (Jennifer Price) and her precious granddaughters, Gabriella and Julia Mucci. Caroline Arbogast
Thomas Caplis
Nina Fazzolari
Otto Gago
Dudley K. Holmes II
Stephen A. Krupnik
Raymond Johnson
Ray Lutovsky
Jacqueline McGinn
Wayne McMullen
John Posegay
Antonio Scappaticci
Nancy Scappaticci
Allyn Seitz
Mike Stefani
Elizabeth Stitt
Joan Vandegrift
Nancy White
Howard Zeck
Ben Accardi
Joseph Darkangelo
Roy Dechert Jr.
Kathleen Draper
Nancy Dunn
Anthony Ficano
Hurley Fields
Kenneth Glatz
Rev. David Hudgins
Kevin Kalkovich
Karen McGrath
Celestina Mediati
Vincent Moceri
Louis Pagnucco
Mary Ann Peterson
Marisa Petrella
Jim Pollen
Deacon Richard Shaneyfelt
Helen Steele
Mary Palmer
April 17, 1952 – August 30, 2021
Mary Palmer, August 30, 2021 age 69 of Northville. Beloved wife of John. Dear mother of Andrew. Loving daughter of Mary and the late Tom. Dear Sister of Richard (Harley), Joseph (Sandra), Dennis, Ronald (Susan), and the late Thomas. Also survived by many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. Mary was a devoted Italian-American Club of Livonia member and active volunteer with the St. Louis Center, Cultural and Membership committees. She was also a very involved supporter of Plymouth Christian Academy and a published author of the children’s book “Papa Tom’s Toast.” Visitation Wednesday, September 1st and Thursday, September 2nd 4-8 PM at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, 46401 Ann Arbor Rd. W., (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. In state Friday, September 3rd 10 AM until the 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 N. Haggerty Rd., Plymouth, MI 48170. Interment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Angela Hospice. To share a memory, please use the share a memory tab on this web page. Ramo Salerno
August 20, 1931 – May 31, 2021
Ramo Salerno passed into the Lord’s hands on May 31, 2021. Another great supporter of St. Louis Center, Ramo had recently been elected as President of the Italian American Cultural Society in Clinton Twp. Prior to that, he was Treasurer of IACS from 2018-2020, and had been on the Board of Directors for many years. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Ramo founded Salerno Tool Works on Ryan Rd. in Warren, and considered his family to be his greatest success. He also had a passion for the Boy Scouts of America, serving as Chairman of the Detroit Area Council for many years. William Bagnasco
Armando Bonfiglio
Donald Cole
Eugene Draper
Dorothy Hellner
Donald Kaiser
Dr. Costas Kleanthous
Joanne Leoni
Karen McGrath
Gerald Miller
Frank Peterson
Rocco Anthony Ruggirello
Michael Slane
Jim Zenz
John Biewer
Patricia Borders
Gerald Bradley
Walter D’Aloisio
Patricia Dietz
George Dikeman
Shirley Estey
Walter Fischer
Bernardo Greco
Virginia Hall
John Harook
Patricia Haskins
Pam Lesser
Charles Meldrum
Michelle Memering
Jim Phelps
Giocondo Rotellini
Marion Shaw
Michael Shaw
Attilio Silvestri
Kenneth Smith
Dr. Bruce T. Stubbs
John Trudell
May 11, 1939 – May 29, 2021
Johnny Trudell was a legendary performer who thrived on the Big Band Era of jazz music, and who loved St. Louis Center; performing every year at the annual Tocco Family Christmas Party. He was a trumpet player and orchestra leader, who died at the age of 82 on Saturday, May 29, 2021. On several occasions, Johnny performed at the Andiamo Showcase in Warren, performing with Eva Evola and Dino Valle in benefit concerts to support St. Louis Center. The residents of St. Louis Center loved the Christmas concerts performed by Mr. Trudell. He never missed an event until COVID hit in 2020 and it had to be cancelled. Johnny is survived by his wife Beverly, four children and three grandchildren. Thomas Burch
February 4, 1941 – February 20, 2021
Tom Burch passed away peacefully and returned to God on Saturday, February 20, 2021. He was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, including Fr. Edwin A. Fisher Council #4354 of Manchester and Cardinal O’Hara Fourth Degree Assembly #0489 of Ann Arbor. Tom was a “doer” and loved giving back to the community. He was a friend to St. Louis Center and the Pious Union of St. Joseph, and was fond of transporting extra food to the Center; including leftovers from the Manchester Chicken Broil and thousands of eggs from a hatchery in Lenawee County. Tom is survived by his loving wife Ruth, along with his son Dan (Deb), daughter Colleen (Gary) Sweetland, son Jim (Sheila), daughter Cathy (Jim) McMonagle, 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary Catholic Church in Manchester on February 24, 2021. Thomas Bell
Mary Besso
Americo Bianchi
Dr. Bruno Borin
Thomas Burch
Sam Cipriano
Rodney Craig
Marjorie Daniels
Silvestro DiPietro
Anthony “A.J.” Franklin
George Gatecliff
Peter Grijalva
Vincent Haroney
Yvonne Herron
Michael C. Iannuzzi, Jr.
Donald Johnson
Errol Koos
Wendy Koos
Sr. Helen Laier
Wesley Marvicsin Jr.
Victor Mikulich
John Mischley
Howard Neuman
Roger Reid Sr.
Michael Rybka
Ray Schrock
Margaret Jane Smith
Peter Stumpo, Sr.
Dr. John W. Thomas
Larry Vella
Marge Vella
John Zago
Carmela Sgroi
April 24, 1921 – November 11, 2020
Carmela ‘Carmelina’ Sgroi was born April 24, 1921 and passed away on November 11, 2020 at the age of 99. She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Sgroi, and the loving mother of Gerrie (Jerry) Sulak and Roy (Kathy) Sgroi. She was also the proud grandmother of six and great-grandmother of eleven. Carmelina was born in Italy where she married her husband before moving to the United States. She and her husband owned and operated Carini Bakery for 25 years on the west side of Detroit. Carmelina was very social and active in her community, and was a long-time member of St. Colette Parish and The Italian American Club of Livonia. She was also a member of the IACL St. Louis Center Dinner Dance Committee, and was a very important part of making it a successful event through the years, as one of the leaders of the group. She will be deeply missed. Services for Carmelina were held on Tuesday. November 17, 2020 at St. Colette Catholic Church in Livonia. Ann Feeney
January 12, 1935 – July 27, 2020
Ann Feeney SLC lost a great friend on Monday July 27, 2020, with the passing of Ann Ellen Feeney (85). Ann was previously the Mayor of Chelsea and a City Council woman for many years, who was a tireless volunteer for many organizations, including St. Louis Center. Throughout the years, she and her husband, Michael, were very important benefactors. Ann also volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 43 years, and spent time at Spaulding for Children and the Chelsea United Methodist Retirement Home. The people who knew Ann knew her to be thoughtful, decisive and kind. She leaves behind her husband Michael of 62 years, and her six children; Peter (Patti), Marc (Julianna), Matthew (Juliet), Cara Drenth (Walter), Molly, and Michael (Hyo Kyung); fifteen grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren. According to her obituary, “Ann was an example of the personal fulfillment that comes from serving other people and serving God.” Frank Giancroce
Diane Hingst
Joseph Impastato
Steve Jacek
Richard Laban
Mr. Lindsey
Mrs. McCoy
John Mischley
James & Rosemary Nagy
Howard Neuman
Michael Rybka
Carmelina Sgroi
Frankie Simms
Joseph Taddia
Patrick Trese
Sharon Trudell
Charles Young
Grace Zangara
Giulio Bernero
Dellora Blanchard
Michael Borsenik
Ivan Cole
Rose Comito
Robert James Conlin
Carlo Corsetti, M.D.
Betty Dawisha
Iolanda Marinelli
Harold Ravenna
Irene Simancek
Edward Skop
Thomas Stock
Delores Spagnuolo
Thomas Anthony Waling
Marion Volpe
Julia Lussier
February 17, 1928 – May 20, 2020
Julia Lussier was a beautiful woman of faith who went to our Lord on Wednesday, May 20, 2020 at the age of 92. Born in the province of Abruzzi, Italy, she immigrated with her parents to the U.S. in 1929, and grew-up on the north side of Detroit. She married her husband Roger in 1947, and they had five children, including Rena McLynn, who worked as a nurse at SLC for many years. The rest of the family included daughter Michele, sons Christopher (Carolyn) and Anthony (Catherine), and daughter Denise (Gary) Yezbick. She is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 58 great-grandchildren. Julia loved to cook, and parlayed that love of cooking into opening two Antonio’s pizzerias; one in Battle Creek, and another in Ann Arbor after they moved to the Chelsea area. Julia also worked at SLC as a cook for a short time in the early 1990s. Julia and Roger were both strong in their Catholic faith, and helped to establish the Cursillo Movement at St. Mary Parish and St. Louis Center during the mid-1990s. Mary Ann Merkel
December 4, 1928 – November 14, 2019
Mary Ann Merkel was one of the most well-known women in the Chelsea community, and she passed into the Lord’s hands on November 14, 2019. Her funeral Mass took place at St. Mary Parish on Friday, December 6, 2019, and she will be fondly remembered for a life well lived in giving to others as a nurse, a mother, an interior designer at Merkel’s Furniture, and a community supporter. She and her husband Jack, lived in Chelsea for 67 years, and together they had five sons, nine grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Along with the countless number of community groups she was a part of, Mary Ann, with her husband Jack, were part of a group of young Catholic parents in the 1960s known as the Christian Family Movement. According to their son, Tim, “They always made sure that a priest was present for their meetings, so they would drive out to SLC and pick up Fr. Umberto to bring him to their meetings. They’ve always been very supportive of SLC.” Mary Ann and Jack were also members of the first Dinner Auction committee, an event held at then Chelsea Hospital. Along with her support of the local community, her faith made her an active member of St. Mary Parish in Chelsea. Mary Ann believed firmly in acting locally to make the world a better place. The love of her family, friends, and community were reflected in the way she lived her life. Memorial donations in Mary Ann’s name may be made to St. Louis Center.