Constance Wilkelis

Constance Wilkelis, age 83 of Warren, died Thursday, March 18. 2021 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. She was born in Detroit on May 5, 1937, daughter of the late Joseph and the late Clara Grace (nee: Malinowski) Maladecki.

Along with her role as wife and mother, Constance was also an integral part of the workforce through her position as Clinic Services Representative in the Ophthalmology Department at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. Extending the utmost in professionalism and patient care, Constance was a dedicated employee for over 37 years and impacted many lives through her compassion and heartfelt concern. She knew from experience how vital it is to treat people with empathy and kindness for, you see,…she wasn’t merely an employee at the hospital, but a patient as well. Having fought and battled ovarian cancer, Constance was one of the fortunate soldiers who beat that ogre to a pulp ~ and Won! The challenge that gave her a much larger cross to bear was found in her lifelong battle with lung disease, a monster that she just couldn’t slay. But through it all, the wonderful folks at Henry Ford Hospital were always there to lift her up, support her fights, and be the caring angels they were on so many occasions.

When Constance found time away from work and her homemaker chores, you would have often found her out in the garden pouring the best of her horticultural skills into the beautiful flowers that adorned her little patch out back. Her flowers were spectacular and an extension of the tender-loving-care that she and her green thumb produced. It’s been said that a garden is a reflection of the one who tends to its care, so it truly was a thing of beauty. Managing her garden came easy, and it was aided by the fact that Constance loved the outdoors. Being out in the fresh air and sunshine was always rejuvenating for her, and a welcomed relief for all the time she was compelled to be inside.

Like many of our Golden Warriors out there, Constance was a huge fan of the television shows, Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. Come 7pm, there was only one place to be,…in front of the TV and tuned in to Pat & Vanna. Trying to beat the contestants in solving the puzzle was always an invigorating exercise for Constance, and one in which she was quite good at achieving. Another of her favorite pastimes was joining her lady friends for a bite out on the town. Gathering together for a little food, conversation and the nurturing of friendships was always highly anticipated and gloriously enjoyed. Yet when it came to her love of food, little could match the joy and delight of a pizza from Warren’s iconic “Buddy’s Pizza.” Nobody makes a pie like Buddy’s, and that is why Constance made sure to include it on the menu for every birthday celebration. And ahh…let’s not forget her SNACKS. Constance loved her snacks and had a penchant for their pleasures, Whether cookies, chips, or a myriad of other goodies, comfort food was never more defined than through her beloved snacks.

Christmastime was most special to Constance, and there are two aspects of the holiday season that will make her memory stand out. On Christmas Eve, Constance created a wonderful tradition by watching the time-honored, “It’s a Wonderful Life” each year. Considered one of the classics for the holiday, it was something that helped fill her Christmas bucket list,…and her heart with holiday joy. The other tradition Constance looked forward to was the sharing of “Wigilia” with her loved ones, a meatless meal steeped in the Polish heritage and enjoyed during the holidays.

Constance leaves behind her precious cat, and will join her other pets in Heaven, all of whom she adored when she was blessed to have them in her home. An animal lover, for sure, Constance was the consummate Fur-Mama and extended the best of her care and compassion to her furry housemates over the years.

Yet of all the love she extended, the most important portion was that she reserved for family. Her family was the light of her world and the wind beneath her wings,…and her greatest blessings in life. Constance was a very giving person who loved staying connected to her loved ones, and there were few family memories as cherished as the meals shared around the dinner table together. From home, to work, and every event in between, Constance leaves behind a wonderful legacy of love that will be treasured with each reflection shared. She will be missed beyond expression and loved beyond measure.          

Constance was the beloved wife of the late Henry. Dearest mother of Deborah Wilkelis, Dennis Wilkelis, Charisse (Keith) Lukaszek, Christopher Wilkelis, and mother-in-law of Steven Dombrowski. Loving grandmother of Ava, David (Stephan), Alicia, and great-grandmother of Teagan. Cherished sister of Donald (Dorothy) Maladecki.

A Private Family Visitation will take place on Monday, March 22nd from 5-9 pm, with an 8 pm Scripture Service, at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd) in Warren.

Constance will lie in state on Tuesday, March 23rd at St. Faustina  Catholic Church in Warren. The family welcomes guests from 10:00 am until time of the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am. Officiating the funeral liturgy will be Rev. Fr. Bogdan Milosz.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations, in Constance's name, may be directed to either the Fund for Gynecological Cancer or the Women's Community Health Education & Research Fund. Send both c/o Henry Ford Health System, One Ford Place, Suite 5A, Detroit, Michigan 48202, attn: Tributes / Memorials.

Please share memories of Constance at her guest book below.