Eric David Warden

Eric David Warden died of heart failure Wednesday, January 7, while on vacation in Venice, Florida. His funeral will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, at St. Mary’s Student Chapel, 331 Thompson Street, in Ann Arbor. Visitation will also be at St. Mary’s Student Chapel on Wednesday evening from 7-9 and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Eric was born April 20, 1937, to devoted parents, Harry and Norma Bringard Warden, in Holly, MI. An appreciative graduate of Holly High School, he earned bachelors and masters degrees in education from the University of Michigan. He also received an education from working on his hometown newspaper, the Herald-Advertiser. After college, Eric taught three years each at Quincy (MI) High, Mona Shores (Muskegon) and University School, Ann Arbor. He joined the staff of the Dean of the School of Education and completed precisely 35 years at U-M in August, 2001. He served under six of the eight education deans in the school’s history and initiated the school’s alumni newsletter and its development operations. He and the love of his life, Sherry Stasheff, married in 1966 and had two wonderful children, Evalyn Yanna and David Warden, and super granddaughter, Rachel. They survive, as does Eric’s brother, Robert (Frances), of Holly, and several nieces and nephews. Calling himself a “utility grade” organist, Eric played at St. Rita (Holly), St. Francis de Sales (Muskegon), and St. Mary Student (Ann Arbor) parishes. He edited histories of the School of Education and St. Mary Student Parish and the alumni newsletter for University High. At St. Mary’s, he helped establish the Faculty-Staff Discussion Group and was active in the Voice of the Faithful organization. He also served the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at U-M in several capacities. Memorial Gifts may be made to St. Mary Student Parish (331 Thompson Street, Ann Arbor MI 48104) or a charity of one’s choice. –30¬–