Jean Marie Pfaendtner

Jean Marie Pfaendtner, 61, passed away unexpectedly on September 4, 2026, at her home in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, leaving behind a family who will forever miss her and carry her in their hearts. Jean’s greatest joy in life was her daughter, Abigail Mitchell (Sean), who was her absolute world and the greatest light of her life. She was a cherished daughter who shared a close and loving relationship with her mother, Lorelie Self, and her stepfather, Bill, and a devoted sister to Jeffrey Pfaendtner (Tammy), Sara Armbruster (Eric), and Kathryn Esmacher (Charlie). She was preceded in death by her father, James Pfaendtner, and her grandparents, Walter James and Aileen Pfaendtner. She was a devoted aunt to her eleven nieces and nephews, and she cherished her extended family and the many friends who loved her deeply.

Jean was born in Detroit, Michigan, and spent her early childhood in Michigan, including a memorable period living with her parents in married-student housing at the University of Michigan. In 1975, when Jean was ten years old, her family moved to Offenbach, Germany, where she attended German public school. She quickly learned the language and became fluent in German, an accomplishment that reflected her adaptability and love of learning. Jean returned to Michigan in 1981 and attended Grosse Pointe South High School, living with her grandparents for several years during that time. While studying at University of Michigan in 1987, at the age of 21, Jean was diagnosed with leukemia and became critically ill. She entered a leading leukemia treatment program at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, where she underwent chemotherapy and ultimately received a bone marrow transplant.

After her treatment, she recovered and spent her convalescence at her father Jim’s home in Laurel, Maryland. Jean’s ability to overcome such a serious illness at such a young age became an important cornerstone for the remarkable life she went on to lead.

Jean’s passion for helping others was reflected in both her education and her remarkable career in behavioral health. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Michigan and her Master of Social Work from Wayne State University. For more than 30 years, she immersed herself in a career as a Licensed Master Social Worker and Behavioral Health Consultant, work that brought her tremendous professional fulfillment. She began her career with Training and Treatment Innovations, a nonprofit mental health organization, where she served as Director of Training and Development. She later worked as a consultant for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and was honored to be selected as a CARF Surveyor, a role that took her across the country evaluating mental health organizations and sharing her expertise within the field. In recent years, Jean served as Director of Training for the Oakland Community Health Network, where she dedicated herself to improving behavioral health services throughout Oakland County.

Jean was a natural and gifted educator who found immense joy in teaching colleagues and college students. She carried herself with confidence, warmth, and a profound sense of purpose. Whether leading a presentation, conducting a workshop, or sharing her expertise with her students, she saw every opportunity as a chance to connect with others, impart knowledge, and empower people to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they served.

Some of Jean’s happiest moments were the simple ones spent with the people she loved. She treasured family gatherings, holiday celebrations, and dinners together, whether enjoying her mother’s pot roast or meeting up with her mom and Bill for a favorite hot turkey dinner at Bob Evans. She looked forward to Friday nights with Sara, going to the movies and stopping by the house to visit with family and the dogs, never arriving without treats tucked in her pocket. She and Abby enjoyed traveling to Minnesota to spend time with her “little brother” Jeff and his family during the summer, Thanksgiving or Christmas. She cherished quiet coffee visits with Kathy, where the two sisters could talk about their work, their children, and whatever else was on their minds. Jean also loved traveling, reading, particularly the suspenseful novels of Dean Koontz, crocheting, exploring her family’s genealogy, and watching old movies, especially the classic Godzilla films. These everyday moments of connection, laughter, conversation, and togetherness were among the things that brought her the greatest happiness.

Jean’s greatest joy in life was her daughter Abigail, who was her absolute world and the light of her life. She never failed to remind Abby, “I’m your mom. I’m the best at worrying!” This perfectly captured both her boundless love and her determination to always be there for her daughter. She was Abby’s biggest cheerleader from the very beginning, never missing a single one of her competitive dance competitions at The Turning Pointe. She loved everything about dance, the beautiful costumes, the excitement of competition, and the weekends spent traveling throughout Michigan, making sure Abby had everything she needed to pursue something she loved so much. Jean was immensely proud when Abby chose to attend Michigan State University, excited for her daughter to experience life at a Big Ten school, and even prouder when Abby was accepted into PA school at the University of Toledo. Throughout these difficult years, Jean was always there, checking in on Abby after long 12-hour study days, finding ways to visit, and

cheering Abby on from near and far as she worked toward her dream. One of the happiest chapters of Jean’s life was watching Abby marry Sean, whom she welcomed into her heart and loved like a son. Jean was deeply involved in every part of the wedding planning, from dress appointments and venue tours to choosing the details and décor, and she treasured the time they spent together getting ready on the wedding day. She had always dreamed that Abby would find someone like Sean, and seeing her daughter so happy was a profound joy. Jean and Abby also shared a love of travel and created treasured memories together, including a trip to China in 2018 to celebrate Abby’s high school graduation and, most recently, an unforgettable journey through Australia following Abby’s PA school graduation. Above all, Jean made sure Abby never doubted how deeply she was loved, cared for, and cherished. The memories they created together, and the love that filled their lives, will remain with Abby forever.

Jean was someone who showed up. . . for the people she loved, for the work she believed in, and for the many people whose lives she touched. She showed up with encouragement, generosity, and a listening ear, always making those around her feel valued and cared for. Her unexpected passing leaves an immeasurable hole in the lives of her family and friends. Those who knew Jean will remember her generosity, her warmth, and the genuine care she showed for the people around her.

Jean’s work in life was an act of worship and thanksgiving to the living God whom she loved. She was the shepherd to many in her life; she is now with her heavenly shepherd. He has led her to rest in green pastures beside quiet waters in His presence where she lacks nothing.

Visitation will be held at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236, on September 8, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the Rosary at 7:00 pm.

Jean will lie in state at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 21620 Greater Mack Ave, St Clair Shores, MI 48080, on September 9, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:00 am.