Jenny Celina DeStefanis

Jenny C. DeStefanis (nee: Waelkens), age 99 of Shelby Township and formerly of Detroit, died on Saturday March 28, 2026 at Bickford Memory Care of Shelby. Jenny was born January 2, 1927 in Belgium to the late Florent and the late Jeanne Waelkens (nee:Steuperaert). She moved to America in 1939 with her parents and two younger sisters Renee and Luthgarde, traveling by ship to escape from the war in Europe. She quickly learned the language, and with her family, was proud of her new country and heritage. In 1947 she married her beloved husband Albert, and together they raised their 8 children in a small house in Detroit. Jenny spent many hours cooking and baking (one of her favorite pastimes). Her Christmas trays every year were made with sweet bake good and love, which she spent endless hours making and preparing. As each of her children grew and started their own families she would make sure the memory of her Christmas trays would be present on their tables on Christmas morning. Her favorite hobbies were knitting and crocheting and her talents there were shown every year when she won numerous ribbons for her work at the Michigan State Fair. She made so many different items and would sell them at church bazaars: hats, mittens, baby clothes, afghans; if you could name it she could make it. Her famous Christmas stockings hang on many mantels each holiday season. As the children grew up she was able to enjoy traveling both to Europe and across the United States with her devoted sister Renee, always coming home with wonderful stories of their adventures. Her love for shopping was always shown in her impeccable dress and her choice of Alfred Dunner clothing. The weekend after Thanksgiving she was ready to hit the stores with her sister Renee and two nieces Joanne and Christine. They shared many adventures to Vegas and the casinos, as well as many years participating in craft show bazaars. After her husband passed she found solace and comfort by regularly attending services at Church of Christ Waterford, often with her dear friend Iva and sister Renee. The congregation opened their arms to her and she was always in their prayers. She is predeceased by her husband Albert and children Chris (Phyllis), Tony, Jeanne, and Renee. She is survived by her children Michael (Nancy), Ann Sibley (the late David), Marie Penn, and Albert (Pauline). Also predeceased by her granddaughter Karen and survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 6 great-great-grandchildren. Dear sister of the late Renee DePunt and the late Luthgarde Smith. Jenny spent her last few years at Bickford Memory Care in Shelby Township; a special thanks to all of those who cared for her and truly loved her. Visitation Monday, April 6th from 4-7pm with a 6pm funeral service at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights. Committal and interment will take place at 11am on Tuesday April 7th at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen or any food bank are appreciated. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Jenny Celina DeStefanis

January 2, 1927 - March 29, 2026