Willodean Elva Wolczynski

Willodean Elva Wolczynski, of Trenton, MI, passed away peacefully at 91 years

of age on August 30, 2024.

Willodean (Willo) was born in Detroit to Fern and Alex Wolczynski on May 16,

1933, and grew up in Detroit. She graduated with an art specialty from Cass

Tech High School in 1951. She earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from

Wayne State University. When her family moved to Trenton, she began her lifeenriching career in art and design with JL Hudson in downtown Detroit. There

she used her talents to design Christmas catalogs and other advertising. After

retiring, she was privileged to travel the world with friends and family. She also

devoted her time to the fine arts, both learning and creating. Willodean always

used her unique artistic talents to design beautiful and creative art through

sketches, drawings, watercolors, Christmas cards, and more. Many of Willo’s

family and friends are privileged to have “WillOriginal” artwork hanging in their

homes.

Willodean was preceded in death by her parents Alex and Fern Wolczynski, her

Aunt “Babe” Effie (and Uncle John) Griep, Uncle Eugene, her Aunts Sophie and

Ann, her cousin Pamela Tripp, and her very best life-long friend Jack Fink.

Willodean is survived by her cousin Kathy (John) Kauth, first cousins once

removed Chris Tripp and his daughter Elle, Erin (Keith) Halasy and their son

Aidan, Emily (Steve) Van Nuland and her children Addison and Logan DeVillers,

and Kenzie (Rick) Ruiz and their son Grayson. She is also survived by her lifelong

neighbors and special friends Marie, Mike, and the entire Butler family.

Per Willodean’s request, there will be no funeral. She will be buried at Michigan

Memorial Park near her parents.

A scholarship memorial has been established in Willodean’s name at:

Downriver Council for the Arts

88 Chestnut

Wyandotte, MI 48182

Martenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.