Sally Mae Ziegler

Sally Mae Ziegler, 89, passed away suddenly at her beloved home of 65 years on Thursday, August 7, 2025, in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan. Born on May 14, 1936, in Grand Haven, Michigan, Sally grew up in the Spring Lake and Grand Haven area. Her childhood was filled with family picnics on the shores of Lake Michigan, weekends with her extended family on their farm, and early schooling in a one-room schoolhouse. She graduated from Grand Haven High School.

In an era when few young women attended college, Sally began working after graduation. One day while cruising along Lakeshore Drive enjoying Lake Michigan, she met a young man from Detroit named Hazen Ziegler. After a brief and joyful courtship, they were married in February 1955, beginning a 55-year marriage filled with love and adventure until Hazen’s passing in 2010. Sally accompanied Hazen through his U.S. Army postings in Virginia and Newfoundland before they settled in Grosse Pointe Woods.

She worked for Beauty Counselors before starting her family, later serving in secretarial roles at University Liggett Middle School and eventually its main campus. Retiring at just 50, Sally embraced life to the fullest. She spent 36 cherished winters in Lake Worth, Florida, where she formed countless friendships and served as the enthusiastic leader of her condo association’s social club. Though she didn’t formally pursue becoming a nurse, Sally had a lifelong gift for caring for others. She lovingly supported her special needs son, Bruce, cared for her husband in his later years, while always being there for her extended family and friends.

At home, Sally found joy in gatherings at the Clinton Township Senior Center, playing Bocce, Euchre, Pinochle, and Bingo. She was a proud Detroit Tigers fan and a devoted supporter of Michigan Wolverines football and the Detroit Lions—game days were sacred in her home. Sally will be remembered for her radiant smile, her generosity of spirit, and her deep love for family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter Kathy Ziegler-Bronikowski (Jeff Hazard), granddaughter Alyssa Bronikowski (Ben Levine), and sister Judy Eidson. She was preceded in death by her parents Arthur and Grace (Podein) Wilbert; her in-laws Henry and Bertha (Balma) Ziegler; her husband Hazen; her son Bruce; son-in-law Michael Bronikowski; brother-in-law Lee Eidson; and sister Nancy Kozubal Mast.

Visitation will occur on Saturday, August 16 from 10:30-11:45 with Service beginning at Noon. Lunch will be provided following the Service. All remembrance activities will be located at First Christian Reformed Church of Detroit, 1444 Maryland, Grosse Pointe Park, 48230. In lieu of flowers, memorial donation may be made to First Christian Reformed