Jean-Claude Elie MD

Jean-Claude was born in St. Marc, Haiti. He was the oldest of the seven children of Clotilde and Paul Elie. During his school years in Haiti he decided to become a doctor. This dream took him to France to complete his medical studies at L’Universite de Paris-Sorbonne Faculté de Médecine. While studying abroad in Africa, he wrote his thesis on a rare form of amoebic dysentery, earning a bronze medal from l’Université de Paris-Sorbonne. From there, he moved to Canada to begin his intern year at Hôtel-Dieu Hospital in Windsor, Ontario. It was there he met the love of his life, Elizabeth.

He went on to become a trusted and well-respected urologist who practiced for over 50 years. He was Chief of Staff at Saratoga and Holy Cross Hospitals. Most important to him was that his career allowed him to truly care for his patients. Many patients sent him thank you notes, and several became lifelong friends. He was never too busy to speak with a patient and their family at night or on the weekend. His friends often sought his medical advice.

Luckily, he always had time for his favorite activities. He especially loved going to the Latin Mass at Old St. Mary’s, where he served on the parish council and as an usher. He also had time to found the Grosse Pointe Soccer Association in the 1970s and coached soccer for many years. This earned him the nickname “The Godfather of Soccer.” Another passion of his was traveling. He traveled extensively with friends and family, particularly throughout Europe.

He loved spending time with his family and friends. He had the ability to make everyone feel at ease and full of cheer with his cute sense of humor. Everyone loved his jokes, even if he was laughing before he said the punchline.

He touched so many lives and was touched and loved by so many. He spent his last days listening to phone calls from old friends and family. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.

He will be remembered by his family and friends as thoughtful, caring, charismatic, uncomplaining, and principled. He was a truly devoted and faith-filled husband, father, and grandfather. He was a man always willing to give of his time, talent, and treasure.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Elizabeth; his four children: Jennifer (David), Paul (Dondra), Colette (Bill), and Steven (Lisa); and his nine grandchildren: Lauren, Marybeth, Isabelle, Louis, Shannon, Maggie, Liam, Elena and Ava.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Patrick Senior Center at 58 Parsons St., Detroit, MI 48201-2202 (www.stpatsrctr.org).

A visitation for Jean will be held Sunday, July 31, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. A funeral mass will occur Monday, August 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Old St Mary Church, 646 Monroe, Detroit, MI 48226.