Obituaries

Virginia “Jerry” P. Wudyka

of Chelsea, formerly of Livonia, passed away at age 82, June 2, 2021, at her daughter’s home in Chelsea. She was born June 24, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Casmier and Albina (Dudek) Owsiak.

Virginia grew up in Detroit, Michigan, and graduated from St. Hedwig High School. Virginia worked as a legal secretary for over 40 years, ending her career with Comerica Bank in their legal department. She was a long time member of the Daughters of Isabella and a volunteer at St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea. Virginia attended St. Aiden in Livonia and St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea.

Joan Marie (Keys) Lawrence

of Tecumseh, MI passed away on Monday, April 12, 2021. Joan was born in Detroit, MI on February 17, 1930 to Erma (Allport) and Roy Keys. When she was five, the family moved to Belleville, MI where she attended Belleville Public Schools. Joan was an accomplished singer and enjoyed singing in school theatre productions and dances, at weddings, and at her father’s Masonic Lodge. After graduating from Belleville High School in 1947, she attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a BA degree in education. While there she met her future husband, Jack Lawrence. They were married February 2, 1952 and raised their five daughters in Ypsilanti.

Joan worked as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, and volunteer in the Ypsilanti Public Schools. She loved to play the organ and complete crossword puzzles.  Joan was a great friend to many; both young and old. Joan and Jack enjoyed playing cards and traveling with their friends. After Jack’s retirement, the couple moved from Ypsilanti to Clinton and eventually to Tecumseh.

Jack Lawrence

Jack Douglas Lawrence was born in Ypsilanti, MI on January 17, 1924, to Pearl F. (Gibbs) Lawrence and Therlo C. Lawrence. Jack attended Ypsilanti Public Schools. He was captain of both the football and baseball teams his senior year. After graduation in 1942, he attended what would become Eastern Michigan University. He also worked at the Willow Run Bomber Plant for a short few months before enlisting in the Marines on February 13, 1943. He earned the rank of Corporal, was a rifle sharpshooter, and aircraft mechanic. He served in the Southwest Pacific Area from February 29, 1944, to August 22, 1945. Jack participated in the consolidation of the Northern Solomons and Philippines Operations.

Jill Marie Powers

Of Jackson, Michigan, age 39, passed away Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, due to complications of Covid. She was born April 17, 1982, in Jackson, Michigan, the daughter of Thomas Richard Powers and Sue Alice (Hendrickson) Powers.

Jill graduated from Jackson Northwest High School in 2000, and then attended Jackson College. She worked in retail in the Jackson area and attended the St. John Catholic Church also in Jackson. Jill enjoyed dancing lessons when she was younger; she was artistic and funny.