Constance "Connie" Shirley Kurnick

Constance (Connie) Shirley Kurnick died peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 following a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Connie’s husband Bob, of nearly 68 years, was by her side every step of the way throughout their long life together. He was with her as she quietly went to begin her Heavenly journey.

Connie and Bob met as high school sweethearts at Chadsey High School and married in 1955. In addition to Bob, Connie is survived by her children, Lauri (Steve) Conner, Janet (Ron) Kurnick-Ziegler, Rob and John (Maria). She also enjoyed seven loving grandchildren, Jessica, Claire, Ben, Annie, Austin, Bradley and Chase and two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Dylan. She also leaves behind her wonderfully loving caregivers, Miranda Salom and Lanarda “Tina” Crain who ensured that Connie was well cared for and maintained her dignity on a daily basis. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends complete Connie’s network of those who knew her and loved her in life.

Connie was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 13, 1934 to Anna and Emanuel Grima. The youngest of four children along with siblings, Richard, Dolores (Kenworthy) and Lorraine (Tomaszewski), all whom have preceded her in death. After they married, Connie and Bob moved to their home on West Chicago in Redford Township, Michigan where they raised their children and built their life. They have been in the same home for nearly all their 67+ years of marriage.

In her early days, Connie was known as the life of the party. Always opening her kitchen and her home to anyone who needed a great meal or a really nice time. She was an avid sports fan, especially baseball, and she loved her Detroit Tigers. She had wonderful culinary skills and always enjoyed having family and friends around the kitchen table to enjoy a home cooked meal. Many of her recipes will live on in her children, especially her Thanksgiving stuffing recipe, which has become famous with the next generation. Connie instilled the gifts of generosity, caring and “don’t sweat the small stuff” mentality in her children. The devastating effects of Alzheimer's took Connie away too early, but she will be desperately missed by Bob, her children and all who remember Connie’s loving personality.

The family will celebrate Connie’s life in a private service on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, MI 48152. Connie’s remains will be interred at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery Mausoleum, 25775 W. 10 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48033 at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts in Connie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Michigan Chapter. The family has set up a Tribute page in memory of Connie. Please use the following link to locate her tribute when making your donation. https://www.alz.org/gmc/donate (click “Make a Tribute or Memorial Donation”, then click “search” under “Find a Tribute”, enter “Connie Kurnick” and her Tribute page will appear.)