Claudette Yvonne Szczesny

SZCZESNY, CLAUDETTE YVONNE. Age 87, passed into eternal life in the early hours of Monday, March 23, 2026. Claudette was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 7, 1938, to parents Virginia H. and Nelson F. Schnabel. She was raised in a loving family, proud descendants of the St Aubin family, which is well established in Detroit history. She grew up with close bonds to her brother (the late Arthur N. Schnabel), parents (the late Virginia H. & Nelson F. Schnabel) & grandparents (the late Mae L. (nee St. Aubin) & Arthur Reese). Her family vacationed annually in Michigan upper peninsula during the summer, before the Mackinac Bridge was built. Claudette graduated from St. David’s Catholic School and went on to work at Ramey’s Drapery store (in Detroit) as a stocker and window dresser. At Ramey’s, Claudette discovered her eye for design and in combination with her vibrant personality, made more sales than the saleswomen. She then entered the medical field, as a medical assistant to a plastic surgeon and dermatologist, where she applied her innate medical knowledge. Claudette married the love of her life, Donald Edward Szczesny, on April 18, 1959, to whom she gave her heart completely and forever. Their marriage endured 41 years, until Donald’s passing in 2001. After losing her beloved husband, Claudette was a beacon of strength and perseverance for her family. Claudette is dearest mother to surviving daughters Lorraine (Eric) Kimminau and Linda (Marc) McMaken. She is preceded in death by her cherished daughter Cheryl L. Szczesny, to whom she was a lifelong advocate and dedicated loving mother. Claudette is proud and loving grandmother to Melissa (Stefan) Papandreou, Allison (Charles) Porter, Leah (Adam) Merrick, Kiera Kimminau, and Donald Kimminau; and also survived by two great grandchildren, as a proud “GG”, to Jeffrey Porter and Sofie Merrick. Claudette was the matriarch of our family. Her ways & life lessons will continue to provide us guidance to lovingly carry on her legacy and memory. For Claudette there was no greater joy than family togetherness, around the kitchen table, eating beautiful meals with never ending conversations. She committed her life, love, and heart completely to us. It was an honor for our family to provide her care these last years of her life - as lovingly and wholeheartedly as she has loved and cared for us. Our family gives special thanks to the caring and dedicated staff of Sunrise Assisted Living (Shelby Township) & Gentiva hospice. Visitation Wednesday 3-9pm with 7:45pm Scripture Service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons 36900 Schoenherr Rd. at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Funeral Thursday Instate 9:30am at St. Lawrence Church 44633 Utica Rd. (S. of Hall Rd. & W. of Van Dyke) until time of Mass at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer's Association. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Share memories with the family at their "On Line Guest Book" @ WujekCalcaterra.com. In lieu of flowers, donations are welcomed to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Claudette Yvonne Szczesny

October 7, 1938 - March 23, 2026