Mary Elizabeth Garnett, “Mitzie”, age 81, of Rochester Hills, formerly of Lake Orion, Michigan passed away Sunday February 2, 2025 after a six year battle with dementia and primary progressive aphasia.
Mitzie was born the daughter of Max and Gladys (Ottum) Schroeder on January 15, 1944, in Pontiac, Michigan. She graduated from Pontiac Central High School, class of 1962. Mitzie married William Younk on Sept 11, 1966, at Grace Lutheran Church in Pontiac and they raised their family in Auburn Hills. Bill passed after 34 years of marriage. Mitzie was remarried to Richard Garnett on October 15, 2005, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Clarkston, Michigan. Mitzie served as an administrator with the Leader Dogs for the Blind Organization. Mitzie was a member of St. John Lutheran Church, and she sang with the Jackson Choral.
Mitzie loved to gather her friends and family for socializing. She was known for her witty humor; love for leader dogs; and singing with many choirs over the years. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband, Richard.
Mitzie is survived by her husband of 19 years, Richard Garnett; daughters Peggy Bowman and Sarah Malone; stepchildren Richard Garnett, Patti Nicley, and Barbara Niemiec; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mitzie was predeceased by her first husband William Younk; her parents; sisters Peggy-Jo Schroeder and Maxine Garnett; and brother David Schroeder.
Mitzie’s family will welcome all to a visitation on Friday February 7, 2025, from 2-7pm at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 W. University Drive, in downtown Rochester, Michigan. A funeral service will be held on Saturday February 8, 2025, at 11am (10am instate) at St. John Lutheran Church, located at 1011 W. University Road, in Rochester, Michigan. Interment will be at White Chapel Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mitzie’s honor to Leader Dogs for the Blind online at www.leaderdog.org or the Alzhiemers Association online at www.alz.org or by envelope at Pixley Funeral Home.
