Jean A. Champion

Jean A. Champion, age 85, passed away May 28, 2016. She was the wife of the late Kenneth Champion; loving mother of Cynthia J. Parise, Timothy (Mary) Zimmerman, and Richard (Valeria) Zimmerman; devoted grandmother of Kyle, Jeremy, Chelsea, Ross, Miranda, Adam, and Michael; step-mother of Joan (Harry) Kepsel and Kimberly Champion; step-grandmother of 2; and dear sister of the late Patricia Hagan.

Jean was born in Peru, Indiana, and later moved to California with her naval husband. Her strength of character was exhibited during this time when she gave birth to her first child alone while her husband was at sea. Later, the family moved here to Michigan.

Some of her proudest moments came from watching her family excel at their passions. She watched her son, Tim win multiple national championships in ice hockey. Her granddaughter, Chelsea's, two collegiate soccer national championships. Her grandson, Jeremy, became a Special Agent in the Secret Service. Another grandson, Kyle, cooked the best filet she ever tasted. Her grandson, Ross, graduated from University of Kentucky and got a job at Genesys Medical Center. Her granddaughter, Miranda, made the Softball 1st team all regional and 1st all state her senior year in high school and she was proud of her work ethic towards college and her job. Her grandson, Adam, became an Eagle Scout and graduated Cum Laude from Michigan Tech University. He will begin a full time position at General Motors in June. Her final grandson, Michael, is a Boy Scout and Challenger baseball player. He will complete Glen Peters School in June and begin Lutz School for Work Experience in the fall.

In her own life, she was very proud of being promoted from a part time bank teller to assistant branch manager at Chase Bank. She was also active in her bowling league, acting as Treasurer for many years. Jean was also an election leader for many years.

Jean loved music that was uplifting to the soul. Amoung her favorites were Amazing Grace and Wind Beneath my Wings.

Her favoite colors were yellow and pink.

Jean's hobbies and passions in life were many. She loved bowling, dancing, playing games such as bridge, euchre, pinochle, and dominos, attending plays, reading, going on cruises, and going to craft shows.

Some of her family's favorite memories included the fact that even though she was in a pool, no one dared to get her hair wet. She was not the best cook, but tried her best. Her family was proud that she quit smoking 35 years ago "cold turkey". Jean liked to only drive Chrysler minivans. Her children remembered scaring her all the time by hiding in the hallway closet right by the front door; they got her good every time.

Please come celebrate this wonderful woman with her family and friends to share your special memories of her with them.

Visitation Friday, June 3, 3 – 8 p.m. at Kaul Funeral Home, 35201 Garfield, Clinton Twp., In-State at Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke, Utica, Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Glen Peters School (her grandson, Michael, attends this special school), 46650 Heydenreich, Macomb or to Trinity Lutheran Church.

Please share a memory with the family at www.kaulfuneralhome.com.