Jean Opal Steele, age 91 of Novi, and formerly of Sterling Heights, died Saturday, April 4, 2020 at her residence under the watchful care of her loving family. She was born October 25, 1928 in Detroit, daughter of the late Norman and the late Pauline (nee: Marshall) Dettloff.
A loving and consummate homemaker for much of her adult life, Jean’s earlier work experience included the time she spent with the retail giant, Lord & Taylor. A high-scale store needing a high-class woman, Jean was a shoe-in when she went seeking a position within their employ. But when the blessings of children began changing the picture, Jean had no problem exchanging the confines of the work world for the joys of being a Mom. She poured her heart into the care of her family and loved providing them all the comforts of home and hearth.
Yet for as hard as she worked, she also knew how to usher in a bit of entertainment to balance it all out. One of Jean’s favorite pastimes was definitely spent down at the lanes enjoying a bit of bowling with friends. Always in search of that elusive 300 Game, Jean simply loved gathering around the ball return with her fellow friends & kegler’s as they rolled a few, tipped a few, and enjoyed both competition and conversation alike.
Fun and competition came in another form as well,…through Jean’s favorite card game, Pinochle. Not especially as boisterous as poker and euchre, the card game afforded Jean the wonderful opportunity of building upon the foundations of the friends and family she adored,…while slingin’ some cards across the table in the process.
Yet if we’re going to talk about the ideals in Jean’s life, there just has to be mention of her home away from home in Ft. Myers, Florida. A Michigander by birth and a Snowbird by season, Jean certainly knew how to make the best of the winter months by exchanging the wintry mix for the warmth and pleasures of the Sunshine State.
Known for her detail-oriented nature and her positive outlook and countenance, Jean was never one to complain. She always sought the view from the brighter side of life and strove to lift the hearts of all who shared her path in life. Jean touched a multitude of souls as she journeyed this side of Heaven, and now her journey takes on an entirely different perspective as she walks the streets of gold.
A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Jean leaves a host of family and friends who were precious to her on this side, as she goes to await their blessed reunion on the other. Even so, she will be missed immensely and loved eternally.
Jean was the beloved wife of the late Gordon Steele. Dearest mother of Dan (Rosann) Steele and Ellen Cucco. Loving grandmother of Catlin, Nicholas (Paige), Daniel, and great-grandmother of Daniel G. and Caroline Marie. Sister of Evelyn Tiderington and Norman (Karen) Dettloff. She also leaves to cherish her memory many loving in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Jean will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, where she will join her beloved Gordon who preceded her in death on April 6, 2011.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home in Warren, Michigan
Memorial donations, in Jean’s honor, are welcomed to the Alzheimer’s Association, 25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100, Southfield, Michigan 48033. (www.alz.org)
Please share memories of Jean at her guest book below.
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