Madeline Marian Kerby

Madeline Marian Kerby, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and woman of deep faith, passed away surrounded by the love she gave so freely throughout her remarkable life. A 1946 graduate of St. Ambrose High School in Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan, Madeline went on to build a life defined by warmth, generosity, and an unshakable devotion to family and God.

In 1948, Madeline married the love of her life, Paul Kerby, beginning a partnership of 67 beautiful years. Together they raised six children, hosted countless holidays, and created cherished traditions that became the heartbeat of the Kerby family; from yearly apple picking excursions and lively Kerby picnics at Grosse Pointe Woods Park, to the beloved recipes of fried perch, barbecue chicken, and Thanksgiving stuffing that filled their home with warmth and the smell of something wonderful. Madeline wore her wedding ring her entire life, a quiet symbol of the enduring love she carried for Paul long after his passing in 2015. In the years that followed, she carried on every tradition they had built together, refusing to let any of it fade.

Madeline worked for over 20 years in the personnel department at J.L. Hudson Department Store in Harper Woods, a role that suited her natural gift for connecting with people. Outside of work, she filled her days with activity and joy: playing cards and board games with family and friends, reading, riding bikes, playing ladder golf, and walking with the beloved “Eastland Walkers” group. In one of her most remarkable achievements, Madeline bowled in a league well into her mid-nineties, a testament to the spirited determination that defined her.

Every grandchild and great-grandchild knew exactly where to find the cookie tin in her kitchen, and it was always full. Madeline’s homemade treats were famous across the family and beyond. She was forever headed to the post office to mail oatmeal raisin cookies or banana bread to out-of-town family, never missing a birthday or special occasion. But as those who loved her understood, the greatest gift was never the cookies themselves, it was the love she baked into each one.

A devout Catholic, Madeline was a member of St. Joan of Arc Parish for over 70 years. She attended daily Mass and served her faith community in countless ways: as a Eucharistic Minister to the homebound, as a Sacristan, through Rosary prayer groups, and by organizing senior card clubs. She seldom left Mass without stopping at the prayer cove to light a candle and offer a special intention for someone she loved. Her family treasured her holy water blessings for new homes, new cars, and safe travels; small sacred rituals that spoke volumes about the woman she was. Madeline had a deep, living faith in Jesus Christ, and she expressed it not in words alone, but in every act of kindness, every meal delivered, every loaf of raisin bread left on a doorstep.

Madeline loved to sing and dance — in the kitchen, at a party, wherever the music found her. There was no one she loved to dance with more than her daughter Lynn. And we take comfort now in the image of the two of them, together again, dancing in heaven.

She is welcomed into Heaven by her treasured husband, Paul R. Kerby; siblings, Henry Huvaere, Margaret Loeffler, Stella Kerby, Donald Huvaere; and adored daughter, Madelynn Carol Wiszowaty

She is survived by her loving children, Paul H. (Antoinette) Kerby, Brian (Diane) Kerby, Steven (Candice) Kerby, Cheryl Owsen, and Kenneth (Andrea) Kerby, and son-in-law, Jerry Wiszowaty; adored grandchildren, Cheryl Colt, Stacy Hogston, Christine Hafner, Brian E. Kerby, Andrea Knoell, Michael Jamerino, Paul C. Kerby, Theresa Earleywine, John H. Kerby, Melissa Jamerino, David Owsen, Ann Marie Kerby, Jonathan Kerby, Matthew Owsen, Philip Kerby, Mary Kerby, and Kevin Kerby; as well as thirty-two cherished great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in honor of Madeline to either the Society of St. Vincent De Paul (St. Joan of Arc Conference), 22412 Overlake, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080 or Fr. Solanus Casey Guild, 1780 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, MI 48207.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on May 3, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, with a Rosary and Sharing of Memories also taking place there on May 3, 2026 at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan 48236.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on May 4, 2026, at 9:30 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080.