Cecilia Ann Norush, age 86, passed away on May 3, 2026, at the Kresge Chelsea Retirement Community.
Cecilia was born on March 12, 1940, in Detroit, Michigan, the daughter of Edmond and Elizabeth (Klein) Kempa. She married Joseph G. Norush Jr. in Detroit on May 13, 1961, and they shared 53 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2014.
Joseph and Cecilia spent their retirement years in the Clinton area, where Cecilia took great pride in designing and decorating her home, especially for the holidays, with Thanksgiving being her favorite. She and Joseph were members of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Tecumseh. Cecilia worked as the treasurer/administrative manager for Washtenaw County Farm Bureau Insurance branch in Ann Arbor/Saline area.
Cecilia was known for her infectious laugh, kind spirit, and genuine warmth toward everyone she met. She had a deep love for her family and found great joy in preparing Thanksgiving meals and gathering everyone together. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending time with her grandchildren, and collecting giraffes, which brought her much happiness.
Cecilia is survived by her son, Keith (Leslie) Norush of Chelsea; two grandchildren, Savannah and Ethan Norush; her brother, Edward (Mary Rose) Kempa of South Lyon; and her sister-in-law, Madeline Kempa of Washington Township. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joseph; and her brother, Chester.
Visitation will be held at Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also take place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 10:00–11:00 a.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Cecilia will be laid to rest with her husband, Joseph, at St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home.
