Kathleen Jean Pietraszewski

Kathleen “Jean” Pietraszewski, age 89, died peacefully on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at her health care facility. She was born December 12, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late William McAvoy and the late Kathleen (Clark) McAvoy.

Jean was raised in Highland Park and graduated from St. Benedict High School in 1954. It was during these years that Jean met the love of her life, Michael. The two shared a beautiful life together and were married on October 22, 1960, at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Highland Park. As newlyweds, they began building their life together and eventually made their home in Madison Heights, where they would raise their family.

For much of her life, Jean cherished being a stay-at-home mom, lovingly caring for her two daughters and making her family the center of her world.

Jean was a true social butterfly. She enjoyed rug hooking, bowling, bingo, camping, and baking cupcakes—not only for her family, but also for the children at St. Vincent Ferrer School, where she worked in daycare and taught catechism. She found joy in being involved, helping others, and sharing her time with those around her.

Jean had a gift for making people feel welcome. Her family often joked that she would talk to anyone, and she did so with a smile on her face because, in Jean’s eyes, she wasn’t talking to a stranger—she was meeting a new friend. Whether welcoming a visitor or a new member of her church, Jean had a way of making people feel comfortable and included. Her loving and caring nature was evident in the little things she did every day, and her kindness was something she carried with her throughout her life.

Jean’s greatest joy, however, was her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother, and caring great-grandmother. She treasured the time spent with those she loved and leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to bring smiles, laughter, and comfort to her family and friends.

Jean was the beloved wife of the late Michael Pietraszewski. Loving mother of Mary (Dave) Petrucci and Barbara (Tom) Morris. Devoted grandmother of Ann (Jason) Janicki, Daniel (Melissa) Petrucci, Monica (Ryan) Ashby, Andrew Morris, Michelle (Nick) Morris/Sondag, Alex Morris, and Marcy Morris. Caring great-grandmother of Emmie, Savannah, and Lauren. Dear sister of the late Dolores (the late Ed) Houser, the late Don (the late Jane) McAvoy, and the late Patricia “Pat” (the late Joe) Compello. Sister-in-law of Theresa Pietraszewski, Miriam (Norb) Grabowski, the late Ilene (Tom) Brisbey, and the late Marvin Pietraszewski. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on October 1, 2026 at 10:00am until the time of her Memorial Mass at 10:30 am at St Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church, 28353 Herbert Street, Madison Heights 48071.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Edward Swanson & Sons Funeral Home, 30351 Dequindre Rd., Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Memorial donations are appreciated to the Capuchin Franciscan Province of St. John, www.thecapuchins.org, 1820 Mt. Elliott St., Detroit, MI 48207, or the Arbor Day Foundation, www.Shop.ArborDay.org, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.

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