Josephine Dorothy Pais

Beloved wife of the late Telio Louis “Tom” Pais, whom she married on August 2, 1941 at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Lincoln Park. Jo was also preceded in death by her sisters, Geneva Tuz and Stephanie Bierylo and son, Gregory M. Pais.

She is survived by her remaining children, Marcia (Richard) Bothwell, Thomas (Linda) Pais, Margaret “Peg” (Richard) Rettof and daughter-in-law, Julie Tifft Pais; grandchildren, Anne Bothwell, Richard Bothwell (Jennifer Couch), Jim Bothwell (Yael Nyholm), Kate Bothwell (Callie Need), Maureen (Ray) Collins, Shari Brown, Angelia Ellis, Tony Joseph, Terasa Joseph, Tibrishia Pais, Velly Pais, Rashard Pais, Anne Rettof, Alex Rettof (Molly Browne), and Joe Rettof (Heidi Hubmann); great grandchildren, Abi and Ian Bothwell, and June Collins; many nieces and nephews , extended family members and friends whom she loved dearly.

Jo lived a long and fulfilling life and had many talents and skills. She was a proud graduate of Southwestern High School in Detroit at the age of 16. After graduation, she began working at R. L. Polk as a typist, lucky to get a job during the depression. As was common at the time, she gave up her job after her marriage to Tom. That choice led to the pursuit of other interests while raising her four children.

Jo was always involved at her children’s schools. She was a proud past president of the Mothers Club at Detroit Catholic Central High School.

After Tom’s death and raising her family, she returned to school at Cleary College in Ypsilanti, MI to update her secretarial skills. That was followed by employment with the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, School of Business, until her retirement.

Jo enjoyed many pastimes throughout her long life including crocheting, tatting, knitting, sewing, millinery, china painting, embroidery, quilting and gardening. Most of what she made was given to family, friends and charities. Jo most recently enjoyed knitting squares with the ‘Warm up America’ group at Independence Village, White Lake, until her vision dimmed.

The family wishes to express its deep thanks and appreciation for the loving care given to Jo by the dedicated staff at Independence Village, Senior Home Care Solutions and Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care.

Memorials may be made to Seasons Hospice or the charity of your choosing.