Lili Anna Zeyen

ZEYEN. LILI ANNA. October 28, 2014. Age 93. Beloved wife of Guenter. Dear mother of Madeleine Dwaihy (Norman) and Axel Kappes (Nancy). Loving grandmother of Axel II, Renee, Geoff, Stephen and David. Great-grandmother of Axel III, Madelyn, Alison, Lyla, Grace and Evan. Visitation Wednesday 3-8 pm at the A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Avenue at Vernier Road, Grosse Pointe Woods. In state Thursday 10 am until time of funeral Mass, 11 am at St. Bonaventure, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, MI 48207. Memorial contributions may be made to the Capuchins at the above address. Mrs. Zeyen was born in Dsseldorf, Germany in 1921. A talented actress, her plans to enter a school of theatrical arts were cut short by the bombing of her small village. But she and her loving family persevered the challenges of WWII, and emigrated to the United States in 1954. While she cherished her homeland and maintained her heritage, she was extremely appreciative of her opportunities in the U.S, and incredibly proud to become an American citizen. When people would hear her charming German accent and ask about her heritage, she would proudly respond, "I am an American!" Lili loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all Kinder the German word for children. Her daughter would say "her gentle hand could quiet the cries of any child." After retirement, she was caregiver to her grand-children, as well as several other children in her neighborhood, who all referred to her fondly as "Grandma Lili." She worked at Michigan Mutual Liability Insurance Company (now Amerisure), retiring in 1983 after over thirty years of service. Despite her very limited English skills initially, she was motivated to learn and succeed, and was promoted to a supervisory role in short order. Highly regarded by her peers, she received a commendation from the company president upon retirement, recognizing her years of service and contributions to her department. Mrs. Zeyen was a talented artist, and painted landscapes, animals, and still-life portraiture, as well as her signature painted sweatshirts. She was also skilled at knitting and crochet, and loved puzzles and any other opportunities to improve her English language skills. A lover of the arts, she enjoyed attending the theater, whether musicals, drama, or the opera. She adored animals, nature, and was a skilled and nurturing gardener. Her garden is a peaceful sanctuary where her love of life is palpable. Her incredible warmth, generosity, and joyous spirit will forever be remembered by all who knew her.

Funeral Home:

A. H. Peters Funeral Home of Grosse Pointe

20705 Mack Avenue

Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

US 48236