Miriam Costandi

Miriam Costandi, formerly of East Detroit, Grosse Pointe Woods and most recently of Utica, died peacefully at her home on May 30, 2026. Predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Kareem. Beloved mother of Cathy Berlage (Steve), Charles Costandi (deceased), and John Costandi (Sheila). She was the loving Sittoo of Nicholas, Ian (Shaila), Rachel, William and Olivia (Brendan) and the Great-Sittoo of Eric and Taran. She was the cherished aunt of nieces and nephew, Lisa (deceased), Lauren, and John, and great nieces Marisa, Dana, Erin and Kenzly.

Born May 10, 1933, in Detroit, the daughter of Syrian immigrants Rachel and John Staif, she graduated from Southeastern High School, class of 1950, making her one of the school’s youngest graduates. Miriam attended Wayne University and graduated in 1956. She was a beloved grade school teacher for both the Detroit Public Schools and East Detroit Public Schools for a combined 36 years. She was tasked with piloting various educational programs that were initiated into the East Detroit School District curriculum. For 22 consecutive years, Miriam was entrusted with leading the entire Kantner Elementary sixth-grade student body on field trips to the Toronto Science Center.

Miriam was a devoted lifelong member of Christ Church, Detroit where she served numerous times on the Vestry, was an active lector, was a member of several rector search committees, served as Chronicles Newsletter editor for 13 years, helped orchestrate countless Syrian haflis, and was a member of the Handbell Choir. She was the first woman to serve as a Lay Eucharistic Minister at Christ Church. Miriam was an avid card player participating in both Tripoli and Pinochle card clubs. She was an unofficial champion of the game show Jeopardy!, routinely responding to clues correctly, faster than many of the official contestants.

Her “addiction” to Rummikub motivated her to teach the game to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed movie classics, musicals, and historical documentaries. Her love of reading included most notably all titles penned by Mark Twain, her favorite author. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. While her memory lives on in the hearts of those who loved her, her impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Visitation will be at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods from 4-8 pm on Sunday, June 14th. Funeral Service will be at Christ Church Detroit, 960 Jefferson, Detroit with visitation at 9:30am until time of church service at 10:00am, on Monday, June 15th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Christ Church, Detroit. https://christcd.org/online-giving/