Joan Smart

July 5, 2023, Joan St. Clair Smart, of Chelsea, Michigan, passed away at her home with her wife, Lisa, by her side. Joan was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 7, 1943, to Beverly and Harry Balsley. Joan was educated at Redford Union High School, then went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in education at Northern Michigan University. Joan taught English and History at Marquette High School, later moving downstate to work for DTE Energy.

Joan’s dream was to someday live on the water. In 1982, Joan met her future spouse, Lisa, and soon they purchased a lakeside home near Chelsea. Upon Joan’s retirement in 2002, they relocated to Provincetown, Massachusetts, a small seaside town at the tip of Cape Cod. This was Joan’s “special place”. She loved the town for it’s beauty and diversity, and there she cherished her very close friends. In 2019, Joan spent her retirement years golfing, traveling, reading and also fitting in her daily walks.

Jan Dresselhouse

of Chelsea, Michigan, age 85, died Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at Chelsea Retirement Community. She was born February 26, 1938 in Livonia, Michigan, the daughter of Roy M. & Dorothy Van Atta.  Jan graduated from Northville High School. She worked at the bank to put Jerry through college, and left work to raise her children.  She and Jerry moved to Chelsea in 1970. She was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church. Jan enjoyed her chickens and selling eggs. 

Frederick Stanford

Fred "Bud" Stanford, Korean War Army Veteran, Retired Patrolman C.P.D., beloved husband of the late Maureen (nee Ryan).  Loving father of Robert D.D.S. (Suzanne), Thomas (Joy), John (Waew), Fred (Sue), Kathleen (Timothy) Adams and Daniel (Lynne) Stanford.  Devoted grandfather of Caitlin (Travis) Hastings, Brendan, Adam, Kan, Sean, Parker, Syrena, Gayle, Nathan, Jyllian, Lily, Gwyn and Shannyn Stanford, Ryan (Dom), Kevin and Nolan Adams.  Great-grandfather of Colton, Boston, Landon and Charlotte.  Dear brother of Jim (Sue) Stanford and Shirley (the late Al) Skrabutenas.  Also many nieces and nephews.

Phyllis Ann Howell

Phyllis Howell, a remarkable and beloved wife and mother, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, June 18, 2023, at the University of Michigan Hospital. She had suffered a heart attack in her home ten days prior.  Phyllis, born on February 21, 1955, in Jamestown, NY, was the daughter of William Chapin Keyes and Pauline Phyllis (Sparling) Keyes.

Phyllis graduated from Greece Arcadia High School in 1973. Her talent and dedication were recognized early on when she won a piano competition in High School, allowing her to perform with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. She then pursued higher studies at SUNY-Fredonia in New York, and obtained her Master of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Michigan. Throughout her musical journey, Phyllis had the privilege of studying under esteemed teachers, including her own mother (Pauline Keyes), Claudette Sorel, and Theodore Lettvin. Additionally, she spent a year at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London.

Enthusiastic in sharing her love of music, she went on to immerse herself in the vibrant musical community of Ann Arbor. As a passionate teacher, she immediately grew a studio of 40 students after her graduation. Phyllis offered piano lessons in her home and was especially talented at accompanying and sight-reading, accompanying numerous students at local schools as well as accompanying and even once directing the Michigan Women’s Glee Club.