Obituaries

LaWanda “Wanda” Daphine Wright

of Fort Myers, Florida, formerly of Chelsea, Michigan, and Bonita Springs, Florida, age 90, died Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at Gulf Coast Medical Center in Ft. Myers. She was born February 18, 1934, in Pollard, Arkansas, the daughter of James Edward and Ruby Lara (Shreem) Davis.

LaWanda enjoyed being a homemaker and raising her children. They would take trips to Arkansas to visit her family and frequented the Chelsea Bakery. When her kids were still young, she worked for a bit in the lunchroom at Beach Middle School in Chelsea. She loved to spend time with her friends and family, and traveling to Northern Michigan with her grandchildren. LaWanda and Don moved to Florida in 2017, where she enjoyed the warm weather, palm trees, and watching the beautiful sunsets and thunderstorms. Seeing different animals, especially the dolphins and birds on their boat rides was a favorite of hers. She also enjoyed eating out with the variety of foods Florida has to offer and the outdoor atmosphere.

Daniel Henry Polens

of Dexter, Michigan, age 55, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Michigan Medicine. He was born May 12, 1970, in Mt. Clemens, MI, the son of Robert and Emilie (Otte) Polens.

Daniel graduated from Chelsea High School in 1993. He moved out on his own in his twenties, took the bus to Ann Arbor, and worked in fast food and was fairly independent for 25 years. Dan was a member of Common Chords Chimes group and Saturday Morning Challenger Bowling League at Chelsea Lanes for 30 years. He loved the Lord and attended Peace Lutheran Church, where he was an Usher and Reader.

David George Hager

January 29, 1939 – January 30, 2025

David George Hager, 86, passed away peacefully under hospice care on January 30, 2025, in Longview, Texas, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Ann Arbor on January 29, 1939, to George and Rolene Hager, David took great pride in being known as the last baby to be delivered at home by Dr. Carl Fry. A proud student of Ann Arbor High School Class of 1956, he carried a strong work ethic and deep loyalty to family, friends, and community throughout his life.

At age 17, David enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. From 1956 to 1959, he was stationed in the Hawaiian and Philippine Islands, forming lifelong bonds with fellow Marines and developing an enduring sense of discipline and commitment.

After returning home, David dedicated himself to a hardworking, blue-collar career that spanned 42 years. He took immense pride in providing for his family while also making time to coach baseball for his younger brothers and sons. His leadership and passion for the game left a lasting impression on many young athletes.

Kathleen M. Schorin

Kathleen McDonald Schorin passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025 at the University of Michigan Hospital. Growing up in Livonia, Michigan, she attended Bentley High School and then Michigan State University, where she was an editorial writer for the State News and earned a BA in Advertising.

After college, Kathleen worked as an editor, group editor, and ultimately corporate trainer for Entertainment Publications in Troy, Michigan. She met her husband Gerry in 1985 and they spent time traveling in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean, and to their shared passion, Ireland. Following the birth of her daughter, she and her family moved to Burlington, Vermont, where her son was born, and later Saratoga Springs, New York – towns where she was heavily involved in her children’s schools and where she perfected her consummate skills as a knitter, crocheter, craftswoman, and cook.

In 2006, the Schorin family moved back to Michigan, settling in the Ann Arbor area, where Kathleen became heavily involved in supporting her children’s athletic teams, working part-time for Epic Races, and adding to her previous volunteerism with the American Cancer Society and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oakland County to now include The Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House and Ronald McDonald House (RMH). Kathleen’s volunteer role at RMH eventually turned into a part-time position as Family Services Manager, where she managed the RMH facility located in Mott Children’s Hospital until shortly before her death.