Jean Victoria Ricci (nee: Skrzypek), 99 & 4 months, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 in West Bloomfield. Jean was born on September 20, 1920, to John & Victoria Skrzypek in Detroit, Michigan. Jean was the matriarch of the Ricci family. Having lived during The Great Depression, Jean related stories of bread lines and standing in line for just a single pair of nylons. She met her husband, Henry J. Ricci, who was a WWII Veteran stationed at Pearl Harbor, while working as a timekeeper at Burroughs Corporation in Detroit. They married on Sept. 25, 1954. Together they raised their daughter Beverly. Jean devoted her time as a volunteer at the Livonia Senior Center. She was responsible for completing the set-up and ambiance of the lunchroom. She enjoyed cooking for her family, relatives and friends. Jean owned an extensive library of cookbooks and numerous recipe cards. When Beverly was young, Jean made matching mother-daughter coordinated outfits for the various holidays. She also created clothes for her daughter's Barbie dolls. During the eight months Jean lived at American House, staff and residents commented that Jean "never complained", "was very sweet" and "was one special lady". Jean kept a bowl of candy in her apartment and would often say, "Sweetie, have a piece of candy and take more for later." Jean's favorite snack that made her VERY HAPPY was CHEETOS. She also loved to eat "Bates Hamburgers". She liked to watch scary movies, Lawrence Welk, and American Ninja Warriors.
Jean is survived by her daughter Beverly (Phillip Ingram) Ricci, step-grandson, Marc Ingram and step-great-grandson, Zion Ingram.
In addition to Jean's parents and husband, Henry (Sept. 16, 1999), Jean is pre-deceased by her brother Walter Skrzypek.
Friends may visit on Sunday, January 19, 2020 from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 37000 West Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. Visitation continues on Tuesday, January 21, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until time of the Funeral Service at 10:30 a.m. at St. Colette Catholic Church, 17600 Newburgh Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. Burial will immediately follow the funeral with procession to St. Hedwig Cemetery in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
Friends may share a memory of Jean or condolences with the family at her online guest book.
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