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Obituaries

These obituaries are listed in order from newest to oldest.  If you want to look for a specific obituary, just type the last name in the search bar (at the top of this article).  You can click here to sign up to receive obituaries by e-mail.

Pamela Lee Painter

Of Jackson, MI, age 65, passed away Friday, October 14, 2022 at her home with her family. She was born April 4, 1957 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the daughter of James L. & Rose A. (Yeager) Painter.

 

Pam graduated from Jackson High School in 1975, and lived in Arizona, Illinois, the Northern Lower Pennisula, and finally came back to Jackson. She worked as a waitress and barkeeper in many locations, including the Clear Lake Grill, Wolverine Food & Spirits in Chelsea, Laura's Catering, the Remus Tavern, and the Onondaga Tavern. She was an avid pool player and played in several pool leagues. She loved to shop, watch Nascar Racing, and painting. She liked classic rock and roll, and enjoyed the concerts at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson. Pam was very witty, and wasn't afraid to tell you how it was. She didn't put up with nonsense, but wanted everyone to be their best.

Regenia "Jeanie" Compere

Devoted mother, daughter, and aunt passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born July 20, 1929 in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Roy Dale and Beulah (Pierce) Mitchell. Regenia was born just weeks before the Great Depression began. This world-shaking event, along with WW2 that followed it, influenced both her upbringing and young adult life. She acquired many skills that equipped her to support herself right out of high school. Regenia's bookkeeping skills made her a valuable employee at Cunningham's Drugstore in Detroit. Later, she worked in a dentist's office, where her future father-in-law Arthur Schlesinger, Sr. was a patient. He so admired her poise, demeanor and work skills that he introduced her to his eldest son Robert, part of the family insurance agency. Regenia was a lifelong learner who passed those values on to her children. On her 40th birthday (July 20 1969), she and her young children watched Apollo 11 astronauts land on the moon.

Sandra Lee (Knoll) Wilkinson

of Saline, Michigan, 72, died on October 4, peacefully at work, surrounded by her beloved coworkers. Sandy was born January 14, 1950, to Donald Robert Knoll and Alice Mae (Hayward) Knoll in Stockbridge, MI. During her 72 years, many lives were changed for the better as a result of Sandy’s kindness, warmth, and selflessness.

No one can speak to this quite as accurately and affectionately as Sandy’s best friend and daughter, Elizabeth (Lizz) Wilkinson. Sandy and Lizz were inseparable. They spent a lifetime going to comedy shows, art exhibits, and concerts, and delighting in each other’s company in times of hardship and joy. They had a mutual love of experimenting with new recipes and wine pairings, which inspired their baked goods pop-up, The Sconey Island. They filled their beautifully entwined lives with finishing The New York Times crossword in pen, event planning, movie nights, excessive reading, true crime podcasts, museum visits, as well as dreaming and scheming for a bright future. Not unlike their bond, Sandy’s garden benefited from her nurturing heart and commitment. She would often cook with the herbs that she grew. Those who knew her best, knew that Sandy loved lilacs and hostas, both of which are as resilient as she proved herself to be.

Alice Anna Steinbach

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 88, died on Monday, September 26, 2022. She was born November 11, 1933, in Bangor, Michigan, the daughter of Louis Blake and Evelyn (Root) Bregger.

Alice attended Bangor Schools with her two brothers, Don and Allan, and two sisters, Doris Finn and Lois Verdonk, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1951. Alice earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Education, a master’s degree from EMU, and in later years, a specialist degree from the University of Michigan. Continuing education was a focus for Alice. She was always attending summits, conventions, meetings, and outreach classes.

Norma Jean Lawrence

Of Dexter, Michigan, age 89, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born November 25, 1932, in Lake City, MI, the daughter of Eugene Raymond and Evelyn (LaDouceur) Young.

Norma grew up in Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1951. She attended Cleary College, earning a secretarial degree. Norma worked at Cooper Dental for many years before retiring. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. Norma enjoyed bowling, and bowled in a ladies league in Dexter. She loved to read, playing on her iPad, antiquing, dancing, and traveling with her sister, Eva. She enjoyed making crafts which she gave to her family.