Obituaries

Rev. James "Jim" Henry Maxwell

Rev. James “Jim” Henry Maxwell, 86 years old, born January 25, 1939, passed away on November 5, 2025, in Chelsea, Michigan.

Born to Frank “Donald” and Letitia “Pat” Maxwell, Jim was raised in Yonkers, New York. He attended Gordon High School. A lifelong athlete, he played basketball (“infamously” once at Madison Square Gardens), and was an avid runner until his legs no longer could carry him that way. While attending Columbia University, he served as captain of the track team and completed his undergraduate studies. He also enjoyed tennis well into his 70s—still managing to win the occasional game even after adopting a cane on the court. Following college, Jim responded to a call to serve God, amending plans to go into engineering, instead completing a master’s degree in divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary. After ordination as an Episcopal priest, Jim’s first church assignment placed him in Covington, Kentucky, where he met Martha May “Mardi” Maxwell, the daughter of the Rector. She became the love of his life, and together they shared 60 years of marriage. They moved to Philadelphia in 1967, where they welcomed their three children: Stephen (1968), Timothy (1970), and Debra (1972).

Robert Joseph Beaudoin, Jr.

Robert Joseph Beaudoin, Jr. of Brighton, Michigan, formerly of Detroit, Garden City, and Chelsea, age 87, passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Four Chaplains Nursing Care Center in Westland, Michigan. He was born August 15, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, the son of Robert Joseph and Ann Barbara (Hyduk) Beaudoin, Sr.

Robert served as a Master Sargent in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, where he was a rifle instructor. He retired from Ford Motor Company as a Traffic Analyst in 1995. Robert was a master swimmer, swim coach, swim referee, and swim teacher.

Gail Disbrow Esty

of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of New Jersey, and Florida,

beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the age of 85. She was born August 29, 1939, in Keyport, New Jersey, the daughter of Harvey G. and Ruth (Disbrow) Hartman.

Gail was a member of Farmington/Ann Arbor Unitarian Universalist. She received her undergraduate degree from Hood College and her MSW from Wayne State University. In 1979, she was one of the first to join FirstStep, a shelter for domestic violence. She continued in private social work practice for 20 years. Gail loved to learn and explore other world religions. She and her husband loved to travel.

Robin Lee Boyer

Robin Lee Boyer of Chelsea, Michigan, age 69, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2025, at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital surrounded by family. He was born April 28, 1956, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Laurence Harold and Laureta Elaine (Williams) Boyer.

Robin graduated from Chelsea High School in 1974, and then from Washtenaw Community College with an Associate’s Degree in Electrical Engineering. Robin started working at the age of 17. He was a coordinator with an eye for details and was technically oriented. He built many computers and loved cutting-edge technology. Robin worked many years as a Technician Engineer at Chrysler. He wrote instructional manuals and was very proud to have been part of the Viper Project. He retired from Chrysler in 2007. Robin liked learning the history of Chelsea, and helped build the Chelsea Historical Society. He enjoyed genealogy and played a part in gathering information for Ancestry.com. Robin contributed to Mayo Clinic’s research and helped with the development of the protocol and treatment for Nephrotic Syndrome. In his retirement, he enjoyed many hobbies. Robin grew cacti and succulents and was featured in the Chelsea Newspaper for his gardens and fairy gardens. He enjoyed photography, bird watching, practicing Yoga and recently found joy in freshwater aquariums. Robin had a big heart, he loved creating things that sparked joy in others, like building swing sets and Duplo™ structures for his grandchildren.