Raymond Joseph Chauvin

Raymond J. Chauvin, age 79, died peacefully at his home on July 18, 2011. He was born in Detroit on August 27, 1931, the son of Andrew and Rose Chauvin. Ray grew up on Detroit's east side and attended Southeastern High School. He married Coreene Burns on July 21, 1951 at St. Clare of Montefalco Church in Grosse Pointe. Mr. Chauvin was drafted in 1952 and enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. After his discharge into the Marine Corp Reserves, he worked at Chrysler Corporation in Detroit. He was laid off from his job at Chrysler and a story appeared in the Detroit newspapers about the veteran who was laid off from his job with the auto company. Soon after, he began working at Winkwork Landscape Company. Ray purchased that business in 1967 and operated the company as the Raymond J. Chauvin Associates Nursery. His company designed and landscaped many prominent Grosse Pointe homes and businesses. Ray was a self-made business man who proved that hard work and long hours would lead to success. Ray and Coreene were long time residents of Harper Woods. Heath issues required Mr. Chauvin to retire in 1987. Ray and Coreene traveled the world and moved to Bradenton, Florida where they maintained a home from 1981 to 2010. The Chauvin's were founding members of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Bradenton where they volunteered many hours. In the spring of each year, they returned to Michigan and lived at their summer home on Harsens Island, Ray's life was all about work. His hobbies included stained glass, piano and organ; all self-taught. He enjoyed being with his family, travel, Florida and work, work, work! Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Coreene; sons, David (Georgene), Douglas (Catherine), Darryl (Kathleen) and Daniel (Judy); grandchildren, Lisa, Jeffrey, Michael, Ben, Steven, Jared, Joseph, Benjamin, Katelyn, Steven and Stacy; great-grandchildren, Grace and Christian; and his sister Jeanette Hayden. He was predeceased by his siblings George, Helen Neelis, Andrew and Harold. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 9:00 p.m. Sunday at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. His body will lie instate from 11:30 a.m. Monday until mass begins at 12 noon at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack at Overlake in St. Clair Shores. Monsignor G. Michael Bugarin will officiate. Ray's cremated remains will eventually be interred at SS. Peter & Paul Church in Bradenton, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to St. John Hospital Hospice, c/o St. John Providence Health System Foundations, P.O. Box 673271, Detroit, MI 48267-3271 or online by clicking here.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236