Cynthia C. Johnson

Cynthia C. (Allison) Johnson, 100 years young, passed away peacefully at Silver Maples of Chelsea on October 31, 2021. She had a rich and exciting life. Before marrying her loving husband, Dan, of 50 plus years, Cindy was a model for many sporting goods companies, including Chris-Craft. She loved the people she met and the opportunity to travel. After marriage, she used her secretarial skills to help her husband establish a thriving insurance business.

She was a lover of and advocate for all animals, but dogs were her soft spot. In addition to her own beloved Trinket, Henri, and Golly, she opened up her home to several foster pets over the years.

The travel bug never went away, and Cindy and Dan traveled extensively throughout the United States with a special fondness for Hawaii and the “Valley of the Sun” in Arizona.

But, they always returned home to (Missouri and) Michigan and the family they loved. Cindy was a doting, loving, and fun aunt to two generations of nieces and nephews.

Cindy was a kind and gentle person who lived by the “Golden Rule” her parents instilled in her. It is no wonder her life was filled with people who loved and respected her.

In addition to Dan, Cindy was preceded in death by her parents, Moneta and Fred Allison; forever sister-in-law, Katie Ann Morrison; nephew, Carl Rody Allison; special friend, Len Hitz; and beloved best friend and brother, Carl Allison.

She is survived by several long-time friends; nieces, Patty (Dean) Flora, Stephanie Hartman and family, Sandi (Ted) Szufnar, beloved great-nephew, Thadd Szufnar, and great-niece, Elizabeth (Mike) Wheeler.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff of Silver Maples, especially her caregivers, and Arbor Hospice.

Donations in Cindy’s memory may be made to the animal charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Helen M. Steele

Helen M. Steele, age 89, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born on May 3, 1932 in Chelsea, the daughter of Rudoph J. and Bata M. (Zahn) Eschelbach. Helen had lived in the Chelsea area her entire life. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, and she volunteered for Chelsea Community Hospital Auxiliary for over 25 years. She enjoyed crocheting, playing bingo, and going to the casino.

On October 14, 1948, Helen married Robert David Steele, Sr. in Angola, IN. He preceded her in death in 1982. She was also preceded in death by two sons, R. David Steele, Jr. and Michael M. Steele, and her brother-in-law, Warren Leisinger. Helen is survived by her sister, Alice K. Leisinger, a grandson, David Steele, a great-granddaughter, Piper, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Per her wishes, all services will be private. She will be laid to rest with her husband and children at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Chelsea. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Helen’s name may do so to the St. Louis Center or Faith In Action in Chelsea.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

JoAnne M. Conway

JoAnne Marie Conway, age 82, of Pleasant Lake, MI, passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 surrounded by her four daughters. She was born July 21, 1939 in Detroit, MI, the daughter of Michael and Mildred (Peterson) Helfrich.

JoAnne had lived in the Pleasant Lake area for the past 30 years, moving there after living in Stockbridge for 25 years. She married John Conway on August 11, 1956 in Manchester, Michigan. She proudly worked for Stockbridge Community Schools as a custodian from 1976 until she retired in 1998, where she made many life-long friends. She believed she positively impacted the experience of students and staff by meticulously maintaining the buildings in her care.

JoAnne had a compassionate heart and acted as a Hospice volunteer for several years. She provided crucial respite care for many families from Stockbridge and the surrounding areas by helping care for terminally ill loved ones within their homes. She also worked part time for many years performing the same service for other families that needed assistance with ill or incapacitated loved ones.

She loved traveling with her children and grandchildren, and also with her dear friend, Marilyn Moore (deceased). While her husband, John, rarely liked to travel, they often went to Canada together to visit the Albin families, and they also satisfied a big item on their travel bucket list by taking a cruise to Alaska a few years ago. JoAnne was an avid quilter, and loved gifting her beautiful creations to family members, mainly to her children and other extended family, but also to anyone she knew that was expecting the birth of a child.

JoAnne and her husband always made spending time with their family a priority by attending or hosting many large family gatherings. She thoroughly enjoyed frequent visits from her children, grandchildren, and friends whenever they happened to stop by. Everyone was welcome in her home, anytime. She also loved meeting new people, and in her later years, she and John happily attended many holiday dinners with her children’s various families-in-law.

She is survived by four children: Kathleen (Tom) Pizana of South Bend, IN, Shelly (Mark) Wiley of Quincy, MI, Becky Boyce of Jackson, MI, and Shawn Conway of Jackson, MI; four siblings, four grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. JoAnne was preceded in death by her husband, John Conway, three siblings, and two grandchildren.

Her daughters are grateful to Father Satheesh from Our Lady of Fatima in Michigan Center for attending to JoAnne’s religious needs in her last moments.

For their outstanding compassionate care at the end of JoAnne’s life, the family would appreciate anyone wishing to make a donation in her memory in lieu of flowers to Careline Hospice of Jackson, 103 S. Jackson St., Jackson, Michigan 49201.

The family wishes to extend our very grateful thanks to Hospice Case Manager, Nurse Betsy, for caring for JoAnne throughout the last year, and for not leaving her without hands-on Hospice care on her last day.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 6, 2021, 12:00 p.m., at Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge, MI. The family will receive friends one hour before the service from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Viola H. Hilliard

Viola H. Hilliard, age 95, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on October 25, 2021. Vi was born to John J. and Hilma (Sahinoja) Polkky in Hancock, Michigan on April 12, 1926. She was one of four children. The family moved to Bruce Crossing, where Mr. Polkky managed the Settler’s Cooperative store for many years. Vi was a graduate of Ewen High School.

Vi married Carl Wallen, and they lived in Ewen, Michigan. Together they ran the Ewen Real Estate and Insurance Agency until Mr. Wallen’s death in 1967.

Vi married the Rev. James R. Hilliard in 1969. They lived in Janesville, Wisconsin, and Rochester, Escanaba, Houghton Lake, and Ontonagon, Michigan. While in Ontonagon, they also served parishes in the communities of Ewen, Trout Creek, Rockland, Greenland, Bergland, and White Pine. They “retired” to Cherokee Village, Arkansas, where they also served two United Methodist churches.

The Hilliards took their second retirement by moving to the Chelsea Retirement Community in Chelsea, Michigan. Vi developed lasting friendships with other residents and staff members there. Rev. Hilliard died in 2013.

Vi is predeceased by her parents, and her siblings, Mrs. Albert (Vivian) Koski, Reynold Polkky, and Richard Polkky. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Mark Koski, Susan DeLisle, Robert Koski, John Polkky, Jeff Polkky, Deborah Reid, Wayne Polkky, David Polkky, Robin Otto, John Wallen, Julie Fonner, and Mary Miller; and by cousins, Jean Vassar, JoAnn Johnson, Margaret Grachek, Mary Ann Micheletti, Michael Micheletti, Carol Sangrey, and Dale Micheletti.

Memorial arrangements are pending through the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences can be sent to the family by mail to Mary Miller, 1330 East Sunburst Lake Tempe, Arizona 85284.

Marvin J. Guenther

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marvin John Guenther.

Marvin, our beloved husband, father, father-in-law, papa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend, died unexpectedly at his home on Monday, October 25, 2021.

Marv was a kind and thoughtful soul who loved his family, gardening, fixing things, and playing cards. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and had a part for anything that needed one.

Marvin was born February 29, 1948 to Emma and Roland Guenther in Tecumseh, Michigan. He spent his childhood on the family farm in Manchester before attending Michigan State University where he met the love of his life, Maryann Downer. Marvin and Maryann were married on April 22, 1972 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In 1973, they moved to Chelsea where they made their home and raised their two sons—Marvin’s pride and joy. Marvin was a consummate precision tool maker and worked for American Broach and Machine for 40 years before retiring in 2017.

Marvin will be greatly missed by his beloved wife, Maryann, sons and daughters-in-law, Jeremy and Amy, and Ryan and Linde, grandson, Austin, sister, Nettie Schleede, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Patricia (Ron) Grzybowski, Judy Lance, Don (Rose) Downer, David (Cathleen) Downer, Loretta Downer, Rosemary (Dan) Beahan, Michelle Downer, Kathie Downer, Margaret Downer, many nieces and nephews, and friends. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Joanne, Marilyn, and Margie, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Sylvester and Esther Downer, brothers-in-law, Duane Downer, Russell Lance, and Donald Schleede, and his trusted four-legged companions, Olivia and Memory.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 5-8 p.m. at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home in Chelsea. A Mass celebrating Marvin’s life will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with visitation one hour before the service at the church.

The family respectfully requests that masks be worn during visitation and Mass. If you have been exposed or have symptoms or suspect you may have COVID, please refrain from attending services.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the American Cancer Society, Chelsea Area Players, or the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Timothy M. Erisman

And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Matthew 4:19 ESV

Timothy Mark Erisman, age 55, of Stockbridge passed away on October 24, 2021 in Jackson, MI. He was born on November 29, 1965 in Wayne, MI, the son of James and Marjorie (Clemens) Erisman. On October 12, 1991, he married Tina Marie Mussio in Wayne, MI, and she survives.

Tim enjoyed fishing with his son, Tony, and his friend, Tony. He loved traveling with his father and brother all over the country. He was very skilled in all things automotive repair, especially body work. A favorite pastime was movie night outside with his family with a camp fire, where they would show movies on a movie screen on the side of the garage.

In addition to his wife, Tina, he is survived by his children, Quinn and Tony Erisman; siblings, Debbie Harris, Barb (Greg) Andrews, Jimmy (Rhonda) Erisman, Michael (Jan) Erisman, and Angela Johns. He is also survived by his father, James Erisman, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will take place on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Pinckney with Rev. Michael R. Ruhl officiating. The family will receive friends at the Trinity Lutheran Church on Thursday, October 28, 2021 from 6-8 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church. Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.

Martin H. Tobin

Martin Howe Tobin, age 88, of Ludington, MI, formerly of Chelsea, MI, passed away at his home on Saturday, October 23, 2021. He was born on December 22, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to Robert Edwin Tobin and Mary Catherine (Howe) Tobin. In 1943, the family moved to Chelsea, where he attended St. Mary’s School and Chelsea High School, graduating in 1951. He then attended the University of Michigan for one year before transferring to Western Michigan University, where he graduated in 1956 with a degree in business administration.

On February 23, 1957, he married Janette Otte, and shortly thereafter he was drafted into the Army. After basic training, he was stationed in Hawaii, where Janette was able to join him, and they spent the next 18 months enjoying life on the islands. Shortly after returning to civilian life, Mart went to work at the University of Michigan in the Office of Research Administration, where he spent the next 32 years. After retiring in 1993, he and Janette moved to Ludington where they enjoyed life on beautiful Hamlin Lake.

Martin loved sports, especially baseball and basketball, both of which he excelled at during his high school years. Throughout his life, he retained his love of sports and remained a true blue fan of all U of M sports. During his years in Chelsea, he was President of the Chelsea Recreation Council, the Chelsea Planning Commission, St. Mary School Board, and he served as President for one year of his five years on the Chelsea School Board. In retirement he took up sailing and spent many happy hours sailing on Hamlin Lake. Mart also loved nature and the out-of-doors, traveling to many National Parks.

He was the proud father of three sons, Michael of Spokane, WA, Matthew of Cartersville, GA, and Christopher (deceased). Also surviving are one sister, Carolyn (Fred) Klink. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Robert, and sisters, Barbara and Mary Lou.

Martin will be sadly missed by his loving family and those who knew him and cherished his friendship.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 29, 2021 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Chelsea with the V. Rev. William J. Canon Turner, presiding. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Darvin E. Burnside

Darvin E. Burnside, age 85, of Chelsea, MI formerly of Tecumseh, MI, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ, on October 15, 2021 at Silver Maples of Chelsea.

Darvin was born October 20, 1935, in Troy, OH to Robert and Florence Burnside. On September 7, 1957, Darvin married his true love, Judith Lyn Scheirer, who preceded him in death on July 16, 2020.

Darvin was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Darvin was a graduate of Defiance College and worked as the supervisor of manufacturing, planning, and logistics for the Ford Motor Company for over 30 years. Darvin was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, an organization committed to bettering the lives of children. He enjoyed spending time with his family, playing cards, and being a good sport as a consistent loser against his fiercely competitive wife in an ongoing card game they played together every day for over ten years. He created countless fond memories over his years at the family cottage in West Branch, MI, and many warm winters in Englewood, FL. He had a never-ending love and devotion for his family and built a beautiful life with and for them, enjoying nearly 63 years of marriage to Judy.

He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and Claude Billings of Colorado, his three children, Lynette (Steve) Lynch of Dexter, Darvin (Danielle) Burnside of Illinois, and Douglas (Christine) Burnside of Ohio; eight grandchildren, Jason Lynch, Alexandra (Cameron) Leberecht, Aaron, Devin (Doree), Emma, Ethan, Aubrie and Brynna Burnside; and one great-grandchild, Juliette Lynch. In addition to his wife, Judy, he was preceded in death by his parents, and beloved grandson, Derrick Lynch.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2021, 1:00 p.m. at the Nashville United Church of Christ, 4540 W. State Route 571, West Milton, OH, with burial at Wheelock Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be held at church from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Kiwanis Club of Tecumseh, MI, PO Box 351, Tecumseh, MI 49286 in honor of Darvin E. Burnside.

Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

Brandy Bradley

After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Brandy Lee-Cox Bradley, age 40, passed away on Wednesday, October 13th, 2021, at her home. She leaves behind her husband, Steven R. Bradley, and her children, Sophia and Braden Bradley.

Brandy was born on April 23rd, 1981, in Lompoc, California, to her father, George and her mother, Susan. She grew up in a small family with her brother, Michael, traveling the United States until she ultimately made Michigan her home. On August 25, 2007, she married Steven R. Bradley at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Ann Arbor. Then on April 1, 2017, Brandy and Steve celebrated the birth of their daughter and son, Sophia and Braden.

Brandy was a driven professional. She was a cosmetologist for over 20 years, an American board-certified hair colorist and college graduate. She remained dedicated to her work and continued to work during her illness.

After seven years, Brandy’s battle with cancer ended. She was a fighter all along. Brandy didn’t let cancer hold her back, and during the COVID-19 Pandemic, she continued to create loving memories with her family by traveling in an RV and spending time in nature with her children and her husband. Brandy loved the outdoors, doing yoga, and entertaining. She was kind to everyone, and she always wanted to make people happy through homemade gifts, quality time, and get-togethers.

Brandy is survived by her husband, Steve, and their children, Sophia and Braden; as well as her father and stepmother, George and Connie Cox; her mother, Susan Cox; and her brother, Michael Cox. In addition to her immediate family, Brandy was surrounded by countless extended family and friends. That is another reminder how her kindness touched the souls around her and the greatness of her friends.

A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held with Fr. Chas Canoy presiding. The family invites friends and family to a Celebration of Life which will occur on Sunday, October 24th, 2021 at Robin Hills Farm in Chelsea, MI. The family would like you to come celebrate anytime between 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. We ask to dress business casual and there are no formal events. Just come and enjoy the company and share fond memories.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions in honor of Brandy may do so to the family by using Go Fund Me, The Brandy Bradley Family Support (https://gofund.me/6313b45d). Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.

June L. Robinson

June L. Robinson, age 100, of Naples, FL, formerly of Grass Lake, MI, passed away on October 13, 2021. Her family was at her side. She was born in Chelsea, MI on August 2, 1921, the daughter of Olvien and Allie (Guthrie) Floyd. On June 2, 1946, she married the love of her life, Horace F. Robinson, and he preceded her in death on November 27, 2013. They were married for 67 years.

June graduated from Chelsea High School in 1938 and then graduated from Cleary Business College. She and her husband built their home on Francisco Rd. in Grass Lake, MI across from Horace’s family’s Centennial Farm. There they lovingly raised their family and cared for their home and land. June worked for Chelsea Milling Company (Jiffy Mix) in Chelsea, MI as an executive secretary for Howard Holmes, Sr., retiring after 30 years of service. She was fondly referred to as “Peaches.” She was an integral part of the Jiffy Mixes, contributing to the recipes and even designing the artwork for the boxes with items from her own kitchen.

She was a member of the Chelsea First United Methodist Church. When she married, she became an active member of the Federated Church of Grass Lake that the Robinson family had helped establish. She was a life-member of The Order of the Eastern Star and active in the Grass Lake community. June loved the sun, and being outdoors gave her joy. She enjoyed traveling, boating, sun-bathing, and collecting shells, which she would create art objects to decorate their Naples condo. She especially enjoyed entertaining friends and family in their home; there was no such thing as too big of a crowd. She was a great cook and baker, and her recipes live on amongst the family. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren and always took an active role in their lives.

June was the essence and epitome of a “modern woman,” managing a career, all while maintaining a home and raising her family. She was smart, poised, self-possessed, a charmer and flirt, beautiful, a sharp dresser, well informed, quick witted and funny. We, her family, revel in the wonderful and fond memories we have of June’s great joyride through life and are all left with stories and memories to share through generations. We can only hope you shared in some of the magic that was June.

Surviving are three children: Judy (Kevin) Gallagher, Elaine (William) Willett, and Brian (Tina) Robinson; five grandchildren: Kirk, Todd, and Spencer Gallagher, and Christina and Eric Willett; as well as seven great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Gavin, Gin, Maribel, Zev, Eli and Liberty June (June’s precious namesake), and her great-great grandson, Greyson.

June will be laid to rest with her husband, Horace, and her Guthrie ancestors in Maple Grove Cemetery in Sylvan Center, MI. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Federated Church of Grass Lake, MI.