Christina Rodes Ceder

Christina Rodes Ceder of Webster Township passed peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours of August 30. Christina, affectionately known by her friends and family as Chris or Chrissy, grew up in Royal Oak and attended Kingswood School, then the University of Michigan where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and was a member of Delta Delta Delta.

She embarked on a prolific art career including a wide range of media: oil on canvas, sketch, wood-working, sculpture, screen printing, flower arranging, interior design, and later in her life, jewelry-making and decorative arts. She worked for a number of years with close friends at Ned's Bookstore in Ypsilanti and designed several of their logos.

All her life, Chris had a deep and abiding love for nature: trees, flowers, gardening, indoor plants, and all living things. She turned her home into a sanctuary for birds and other animals who continue to seek shelter and nourishment in the towering white birch trees surrounding the homestead. She rescued and saved a number of domesticated animals throughout her life, from dogs to cats, horses, goats, and birds. She loved horseback riding her whole life and had a deep bond with her horses Duke and Lucky. Horses were also her favorite subject to sketch. She was also known for her razor-sharp wit, her enduring sense of humor, and ability to weather difficult circumstances using both qualities.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 41 years, Michael Patterson, her daughter Emily Patterson and husband Anas Alaeddin, her sister Candace Carver, nephew Charles Hopper, great nephews John and Taylor Hopper, great niece Michelle Hopper, many loving cousins and longtime friends, and her beloved dogs Harper and Vivi. Michael and Emily will host a memorial in Ann Arbor at a future date to celebrate Chris's life and share laughs and memories with all of those who knew and loved her. In lieu of flowers as a memorial, please make a donation in Chris's name to an animal rescue of your choice.