Estelle F. Bletsas

Estelle Feingold Bletsas of Grosse Ile (born December 21, 1941), passed away peacefully March 27, 2022, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Estelle was the eldest of four daughters of Dr. Joseph and Ruth Feingold of Fort Edward, New York. Estelle was born before her time. As a young girl she wished for more opportunities to play competitive sports at a time when girls were limited to cheerleading. Estelle graduated from Fort Edward High School in 1959, and followed in her father’s footsteps to the University of Michigan, graduating in 1963. It was at Michigan that Estelle met her future husband, George Bletsas (passed July 12, 2021). George and Estelle married on July 13, 1963. While George completed dental school at the University of Detroit, Estelle began working at Michigan Bell Telephone Company where she was proud to be among the first women chosen to enter management ranks. This was groundbreaking for a woman at the time when the few options for a woman of ambition were teaching, nursing, or the convent. Estelle stayed on at Michigan Bell until George began his dental practice in Lincoln Park. Estelle managed the dental office while raising her family. Estelle was a devoted wife and mother. George and Estelle shared a love of the arts, skiing, Michigan football, and family. Estelle is survived by her two children, Marina (Chris) Emde (Bloomfield Hills) and Charles (Mary Beth) Bletsas (Glen Ellyn, Illinois), and five grandchildren: Bianca Emde, Alex Emde, Courtney Emde, Claire Bletsas, and J.B. Bletsas. Estelle watched them with pride as they grew into young adults. Estelle is also survived by her three sisters: Margaret (Chuck) Owens, Lois Feingold, and Barbara Chardavoyne. She will be remembered for her poise, grace, substance, and strength of character. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Trenton Chapel of the Martenson Family of Funeral Homes. A memorial service will take place on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Grosse Ile Presbyterian Church located at 7925 Horsemill Rd. at 11:00 a.m. A reception will be held in Estelle’s honor following the service at Grosse Ile Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Children’s Hospital of Michigan. Please visit Estelle's online guestbook to share memories and leave condolences.