Willi Jed, of Rochester, Michigan, was peacefully called home to her heavenly father surrounded by family at the age of 85. Wife of 42 years to the late Robert Jed, Sr.; loving mother to Laurie (Julian) Huizar, Robert (Jennifer) Jenks, and Timothy (Susan) Jed; cherished Oma to Nicholas Decker, Zachary Decker, Madeline Jenks, and Amelia Jenks; and sister to the late Raymond (Kay) Fischer.
The daughter of German immigrants, Willi grew up on the northeast side of Detroit and then spent her married life in Bloomfield Hills raising a family and educating young people as a public school teacher. Throughout her life, Willi shared her passion for music by conducting a variety of choral groups, and she shared her gift of verse by penning endearing poetry for loved ones and by writing unique poems for those who wished to commemorate special occasions. Her children and grandchildren will always treasure Willi’s playful spirit and talent for filling each holiday and activity with delightful traditions, fun, and exquisitely baked and decorated treats.
Willi was an alumnus of Olivet College and Wayne State University, where she earned her B.F.A., M.Mus.Ed. and an M.A. degrees. She was a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the National Writers’ Association, and Mu Phi Epsilon professional music sorority. As a teacher in the Warren Consolidated Schools, Willi taught secondary English literature and choral music. She implemented creative writing workshops for students which resulted in a tri-county publication featuring gifted writers of all ages. Willi also served on the Michigan Board of Education steering committee for secondary course and textbook selection.
Visitation for Willi will be on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 from 3-7 PM with Sharing of Memories beginning at 5 PM, at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan. A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 11 AM, with gathering beginning at 10:30 AM until time of service, at St. John Lutheran Church, 1011 W. University Dr., Rochester, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Jed Foundation. Named after a young man named Jed Satow, The Jed Foundation is the nation's leading organization dedicated to young adult mental health. The foundation is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation's teens and young adults.
