Cecilia Kendrick

Cecilia lived a life devoted to faith, family, education, and service to others. She met the love of her life, Edwin H. Kendrick, while he was stationed in Puerto Rico during his service in the United States Navy. The couple was united in marriage on June 29, 1963, and shared nearly 60 wonderful years together until Edwin’s passing in 2022.

A lifelong learner with a passion for education, Cecilia earned her teaching certificate from the University of Humacao in Puerto Rico before continuing her studies at Wayne State University in Detroit, where she received her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD. She began her career teaching at St. Timothy Lutheran School, dedicating ten years to her students there before continuing with Detroit Public Schools. Through years of hard work and commitment, she eventually retired in 2009 as principal of the Academy of the Americas.

Cecilia was a devoted member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Livonia for more than forty years, where her faith and kindness touched many lives.

She found great joy in traveling and exploring the world. Her adventures took her throughout the United States and abroad, including memorable trips to Spain and Russia, an Alaskan cruise, and many cherished visits back home to Puerto Rico. She also loved reading and treasured every moment spent with her family.

Cecilia is survived by her loving children, Christine (Gerry) Michalak, Michael Kendrick, and Kenneth Kendrick; her grandchildren, Joseph Michalak, Matthew Michalak, Kale Kendrick, Trinity Kendrick, Breean Kendrick, Hailey Kendrick, and Dylan Kendrick; and one great-grandchild on the way, Nash. She is also survived by her sister, Maria L. Báez, and her sister-in-law, Katherine Tyson.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Edwin H. Kendrick; her parents, Cirilo and Josefina (Salcedo) Báez; her siblings, Raul Báez, Maria Theresa Báez, Candelario Báez and Rafael Báez; and her grandson, Michael Michalak.

Cecilia will be remembered for her intelligence, dedication to education, adventurous spirit, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched throughout her remarkable life.

A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 14175 Farmington Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154. Cecilia’s family will receive visitors on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at the Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, and again at church on Thursday from 10:00 am until the time of the service at 11:00 am. In accordance with Cecilia’s wishes, cremation will follow.