Mary Jane Sarchian

Mary Jane Sarchian-affectionately known as MJ-passed away peacefully on August 4th at the age of 87. Her warmth, humor, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Born on July 10, 1938, MJ was raised in Highland Park, Michigan. She later married the love of her life, Arthur “Archie” Sarchian, and together they moved to Royal Oak. In 1964, they welcomed their beloved son, Ronald “Ronnie” Sarchian. In 1998, MJ moved to Troy.

MJ worked afternoons as a supervisor in the Medical Records department at William Beaumont Hospital. She took great pride in her work and eventually retired from Beaumont after many years of dedicated service.

MJ was a damn good bowler in her younger days; however, her true passion was walking. She would walk for hours every day (sometimes twice a day) and even completed the San Diego Marathon in 2000-an accomplishment she was incredibly proud of. Besides her walks, MJ loved her coffee, her snacks (especially popcorn and ice cream), and a good cold beer.

MJ would light up a room with her laughter. She was always the “life of the party”. She had a natural gift for making people smile, especially her nieces and nephews, who will always remember how she recited her favorite playful poem, “Dear ladies and gentle-beans”. It was just one of the many ways she brought joy to those around her.

MJ was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur Sarchian, and her son, Ronald Sarchian. She is survived by her brothers, Father Richard Philion and Donald (Sharon) Philion, and her sisters Caron Connolly, Janet (Richard) Surdu and Nancy (Edward) Wojcik. She was also a loving sister to the late Virginia Rozman, Leonard (Jackie) Philion, Norman (Elizabeth) Philion and Albert (Jan) Philion. She had a deep and abiding love for her many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews, all of whom brought her immense joy and love.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, October 4th, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM at the Pixley Funeral Home in Auburn Hills, with a memorial service to begin at 2:00 PM. A Celebration of Life will follow at Whiskey Rae’s in Rochester Hills. All who knew and loved MJ are warmly invited to attend and share memories, funny stories, and a cold beer!

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in her name.

MJ’s love, laughter, and spirit of independence will be dearly missed and forever remembered by those who were fortunate enough to know her.