Jane Spaulding

Longtime Grosse Pointe resident, Jane Warren Spaulding, passed away unexpectedly on November 16, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. At the time of her death, Jane resided in both St. Clair Shores, Michigan and Carefree, Arizona.

Jane was born on March 15, 1948 to William J. and Mildred L. Warren of Grand Rapids, Michigan and Arlington Heights, Illinois. Her family moved to Grosse Pointe Park in 1960. Jane attended Defer Elementary, Pierce Jr. High School and Grosse Pointe High School, where Jane met her soulmate, Allan Newton Spaulding. Jane and Al both graduated from Michigan State University and married shortly after graduation. They were married 49 years.

Jane started her professional career with work as a Social worker for Catholic Social Services and then as a private investigator. As young marrieds, Jane and her late husband Al soon faced major challenges when Al suffered serious injuries from a diving accident. This accident cut short the life they had envisioned. Family, friends, the Grosse Pointe Community, and their beloved Grosse Pointe United Methodist friends, rallied to help Jane and Al and their young daughters, Annemarie and Kristina. Together they handled this difficult plight with dignity and grace. They transitioned a tragic situation into a positive and successful life when Jane and Al established Pointe Steel Sales, of which, Jane became the President.

Jane was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was especially supportive of her daughters’ endeavors with girl scouts, school, sports and the Grosse Pointe Christ Church choir, and frequently volunteered. Jane delighted in her daughters’ accomplishments.

Later in life, Jane earned a master’s degree (M.Ed.) in Counseling and a second master’s degree (M.Ed.), in Art Education/Art Therapy, both from Wayne State University. Jane was employed by the Grosse Pointe Public Schools as a learning resource teacher, where she provided guidance and structure for students. Jane put her passion to work providing art therapy to loss survivors at the Van Elslander Healing Arts Center.

Jane had a love for gardening and travel. She always cultivated beautiful gardens at home, which she said started after taking a horticulture class at Michigan State. Jane’s spirit for adventure, led her to travel. Fun with her “The High” buddies to European destinations, and travel with the Grosse Pointe South “ Amigas” to warm vacation spots. In retirement, she and Al moved, with their poodle Louey, to Carefree, Arizona. Here they built a new life, made new friends, enjoyed the beauty of the desert and became active at Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church. Jane continued practicing art therapy by creating healing art workshops at church and making new friends in the Phoenix art therapy community.

Jane lost her beloved Al in 2019. She was also predeceased by her parents. Jane is survived by her daughters, Annemarie Spaulding, Kristina Cuellar (Angel) and grandchildren, Luna and Sol Cuellar, her devoted sister and friend, Ann MacDonald (Michael), her loving brother, Bill Warren (Chris), niece Katie MacDonald (Brian Wolstone), nephews, Jason Siewertsen (Jill), John MacDonald (Teme), Dr. Bradley Warren (Amy), Geoffrey Warren (Meredith) and many grand nieces and nephews.

Jane Warren Spaulding was loved by so many. Her enthusiasm for family and friends, sense of humor, wit, curiosity, and courage are irreplaceable.

Jane’s ashes will be joined with Al’s at the Grosse Pointe Unitarian Church memorial garden.

A memorial luncheon will be held in Cave Creek Arizona on Sunday February 11, 2024 at Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, Cave Creek, AZ, following the 10am Sunday service. In addition, an open house celebration of life will be held at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial on Saturday May 4, 2024 from 10:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society, the Penn/ Whitter Scholarship Fund through Good Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal Church, or a charity of your choice.