Benjamin H. Bower

Benjamin H. Bower peacefully fell asleep in death on July 6,2023, at St. Joseph Mercy Ann Arbor. He was 71 years old.

Ben was a devoted husband and loving father, a gentle giant that managed to make friends wherever he went. As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses he enjoyed sharing his love for Jehovah and the Bible with others. He was also an avid reader and football fan.  

Ben was preceded in death by his parents. Benjamin Robert and Mary Lou (Merriman) Bower and his wife of 51 years, Susan (Freeland) Bower. He is survived by his children, Abby and Ben; brothers, Donald and Joel; and sister, Elizabeth (Bower) Nalepa, as well as many dear friends too numerous to mention.

James "Jim" Periord Sr.

James (Jim) Periord, Sr. (89), of Dexter, MI, passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born April 7, 1934 to Frederick and Maude (DeShano) Periord. He graduated from St. Michael High School in Flint, MI, where he held many school records playing football, basketball and baseball.

He married his high school sweetheart Lorraine M. Gumm on August 7, 1954. He attended and earned a degree from General Motors Institute (GMI). He moved to Ypsilanti MI in 1959 where he worked for General Motors Fisher Body assembly plant (which became GMAC and BOC assembly divisions) eventually retiring as a process engineer at age 53 with 30 years of service. Jim was known as a go to guy for solving problems. Using his education and experience he helped family and friends with automotive repairs and home improvement projects.

Mary Collins

Mary Elizabeth Collins of Chelsea Michigan, passed away peacefully on July 10th, 2023.  Born in Salem, Oregon on 11/28/1930, Mary spent her childhood enjoying Cannon Beach with her family before moving to Ann Arbor in January 1947.

She met her future husband, Neal Collins in July of 1947 at Barton Pond before they both graduated from Ann Arbor High in June of 1948. Neal and Mary wed in March of 1952 before welcoming son Ned Collins in March of 1954. One of their biggest joys was building their own home in the Lakewood Subdivision before moving in January of 1955 and welcoming daughter Becky Jane in August of 1955. She enjoyed camping with friends and family, golfing, and traveling. Neal and Mary retired down to Homosassa Florida in 2002 where they enjoyed their new home with a lanai and pool. Mary returned to Michigan in 2016 to be closer to family before moving into Silver Maples of Chelsea in 2018 where she enjoyed spending time with friends, crafting, outings, and happy hour. She loved reminiscing with fellow residents and participating on several committees including the food committee and welcoming committee.  She loved spending time with family and watching her great grandchildren grow and prosper. 

Joan Smart

July 5, 2023, Joan St. Clair Smart, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at her home with her wife, Lisa, by her side. Joan was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 7, 1943, to Beverly and Harry Balsley. Joan was educated at Redford Union High School, then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in education at Northern Michigan University. Joan taught English and History at Marquette High School, later moving downstate to work for DTE Energy.

Joan’s dream was to someday live on the water. In 1982, Joan met her future spouse, Lisa, and soon they purchased a lakeside home near Chelsea. Upon Joan’s retirement in 2002, they relocated to Provincetown, Massachusetts, a small seaside town at the tip of Cape Cod. This was Joan’s “special place”. She loved the town for it’s beauty and diversity, and there she cherished her very close friends. In 2019, Joan spent her retirement years golfing, traveling, reading and also fitting in her daily walks.