Jeanne M Andrzejak

Jeanne was a gracious fighter with a keen desire to live from the moment she was born prematurely at 1.5 lbs. on June 26, 1923 at home in Detroit. Not expected to survive more than a few days, her parents wrapped her in cotton batten and placed her in their oven surrounded by jars filled with warm water because no hospital incubators were available. She was strong willed and tenacious, proving everyone wrong by living beyond her 93rd birthday. Jeanne was the third of three children born to Lora and Herbert Mc Comb. She grew up on Concord Ave. and also at the White Lake home her father built by hand. Her creativity and love of nature, especially the water, were formed at an early age. She excelled at swimming and diving and had water close by throughout her life. Jeanne attended Cass Technical High School majoring in dress and costume design. She supported the war effort by working as an inspector at a parachute plant during World War II and then worked at Henry Ford Hospital as a nurse’s aide in the pediatric unit. In 1947 she married the love of her life, Raymond Andrzejak, the young Army veteran whose parents had moved in two doors away on Concord. He joined the Detroit Fire Department in 1946 and with their small savings in hand the young couple purchased their first home. It was the beginning of her life as the proud “Chief’s Wife”, the rank Raymond would achieve in his career. She always wanted two daughters, and her wishes came true with the birth of Loralynn Jeanne (Lori) and then Kay. Two opposites who loved their mother dearly, she never lacked for diversity in her two daughters. She believed she had it all.

She loved utilizing her creative talents, hand painting ornaments and rugs, and turning her home into elaborate holiday displays, where every room was decorated. Her favorite was Christmas, typically not taking down her displays until time for Saint Valentine’s Day. She loved flowers and gardening, Eastern Market, landscaping her home to showcase colorful annuals tucked in with strategically placed exotic perennials, shrubs and trees. She loved to shop and dine out, frequenting favorite spots on a regular basis. Jeanne was also a devoted daughter. She cared for her mother at home after a broken hip and then for three years drove 100 miles every day, after picking up her sister, to visit her in a nursing home prior to her mom’s death. With the support and companionship of her daughter Lori, she found her “little slice of heaven” on the ocean front of Marco Island, Florida, where she and Lori loved to spend time, furnishing and decorating their beachfront home. She would walk the beach for hours and watch the sun set over the ocean from her balcony. She loved clothes and accessories, having shoes and jewelry to go with each outfit for each occasion. She loved her pets, including the many strays and wounded animals she would take in. Once when a stray dog didn’t want to leave her yard, Kay offered to take the dog to a shelter to find a good home. It was just before Christmas and the day was to be spent finding the perfect Christmas tree. Jeanne replied “this is a good home” and the dog remained. Somehow she got to keep the dog and get her tree, as she always managed to get her way.

In 1987 her world was rocked by the death of her beloved husband Raymond and her brother Herbert Mc Comb. Her sister Eleanor Sass died in 2004. As her health and abilities declined, she moved from her home of 40 years in Detroit to a single story home in St. Clair Township. Her daughters were committed to helping her realize her wish to remain at home by caring for her until her passing. In the later part of her life, as her conditions became more challenging, this was only possible with the assistance of compassionate in-home services provided by her doctor, nurses and caregivers. They all marveled at her strength, resilience, and expressive blue Irish eyes. Mom enjoyed the comforts of her home; feeling the fresh breeze and warmth of the sun, surrounded by her numerous pets, and the sounds of birds and wind chimes. On Wednesday, September 21, at 12:25 PM she made her final journey home with her daughters by her side. She is survived by her loving daughters, Loralynn and Kay Andrzejak (Elaine Fort), and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Closest of these were nephews, Glenn Sass (Karen), Tom McComb (Aggie), and niece, Carol Madison. Though our hearts feel broken, the love and family bonds that she nurtured are eternal. She will be deeply missed but always close in our hearts.

Please join the family to celebrate her life on Monday, Sept. 26 at the Marysville Funeral Home, 1200 Michigan Ave., Marysville from 4-8 PM and on Tuesday, Sept 27 at the Wm. Sullivan Funeral Home, 705 W. Eleven Mile, Royal Oak from 4-8 PM. Funeral will be held Wednesday at the Wm. Sullivan Funeral Home at 11 AM with burial to follow at Roseland Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Bed and Bread Club or a charity of the donor’s choice.