Lydia Ann Konarski

Lydia Ann Konarski, a beacon of love and generosity, passed away peacefully on August 23, 2025, in Holly, Michigan. Born on October 17, 1952, in Detroit, Michigan, she was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend whose radiant spirit and selfless nature touched the lives of everyone she met.

Married to her beloved husband, Phillip "Popeye" Konarski, on October 14, 1978, Lydia's life was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Phillip (Kristin) Konarski and Lindsey (Daniel) Houghton, and delighted in the joys of being grandparents to Jacob, Bennett, Vivienne, and Evangeline. Lydia's family was the cornerstone of her existence, and she cherished every moment spent with them.

Lydia's education was a source of great pride. She attended St. Hedwig for High School and later pursued higher education at Central Michigan University. Her hard work and dedication earned her a Business Degree with Magna Cum Laude honors in 1998.

Her professional life was marked by a longstanding commitment to the automotive industry, having begun her career at AMC in 1972 and later joining the Chrysler Corporation as an Administrator. Lydia's meticulous attention to detail and her collaborative spirit made her a valued member of her work community.

Lydia lived her faith through her actions, always placing others before herself. Her interests were as varied as they were heartfelt. A fan of the Detroit Tigers, she also supported the US military, honoring her father's legacy as a Green Beret. Lydia's fairy gardens were a source of enchantment, and her directives to her husband Philip were always given with a twinkle in her eye.

Lydia's enthusiasm for life was evident in her hobbies. She found joy in exercising, walking, swimming, and the tranquility of fishing and watching freighters from the family cottage on the St. Clair River. Holidays, especially Christmas, were a magical time for Lydia, filled with her delightful baking and cooking.

She was a consummate collector, treasuring dolls and Beanie Babies with the same care she gave to her grandchildren. Her family always had the collectible cars for dances, a charming benefit of her work at Chrysler. Lydia's support for her children's athletic pursuits—Lindsey in softball and Philip in BMX racing—was unwavering.

Lydia's home was her sanctuary, a place of peaceful quiet where she could indulge in her love for crafting and attending craft shows. Her travels to Las Vegas and Florida were adventures she relished, just as she enjoyed the simple pleasure of being at home.

Described as loving, generous, and selfless, Lydia's kind and giving nature was her hallmark. Her relationships with her cousins, David and Steven Letenyei, were particularly close, and her friendships, including those with Donna Priebe and Denise (Eric) Kirsten, were cherished.

Lydia Ann Konarski's legacy is one of pure heart and open arms. She will be profoundly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness and love in the hearts of her family and friends. Her life was a beautiful journey that left an indelible mark on the world, and though she has left us, the light of her spirit will never fade.