Jean Maddern Pitrone

PITRONE, JEAN AMELIA MADDERN of Trenton, March 12th 2008. Survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Anthony Pitrone, and 9 loving children, Joseph (Jeanine), Jill Zick, Anthony, Jr., Joyce Hawkins, John (Sue), Janet (Frank) Kasic, Julie (Jon) Williamson, Jane (Chuck) Rossi, and Cheryl (Anthony) Macari. Also survived by grandchildren Jackie (Matt) Hatty, Jennifer (Steve) Jezewski, Jodie Sullivan, Joy (Emanuele) Pasquini, Matt (Donna) Zick, Ken (Gia) Zick, Jeff (Alison) Zick, Lori (Tim) Hachenski, Mike (Stacee) Hawkins, Michelle (Dave) Murphy, Nicholas (Karin), Amber Kasic, Stephen Rossi, Philip Rossi, Michael Rossi, Anthony Macari and Jessica Macari. Also survived by 17 great grandchildren, and dearest sister Joan (Bill) Nylander, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents William Courtney Maddern and Gladys (Beer) Maddern and close sister Joyce Maddern Richards. Jean was born and raised in Michigan’s upper peninsula in the mining town of Ishpeming. It was there that Jean developed an early love of music and writing. Soon after marrying Anthony in 1940, the couple moved to the Detroit area where Jean delved into history and research, writing countless short-stories and articles for numerous publications, and a dozen biographies. She was an editorial associate for Writer’s Digest School and a past president of Detroit Women Writers. Jean frequently spoke at writer’s conferences, and, with one of her biographies, Tangled Web: Legacy of the Auto Pioneer John F. Dodge, appeared on Kelly & Company, Unsolved Mysteries, and the Phil Donahue Show. Jean also found time to be the director of music at St. Alfred’s Church in Taylor, and organist for 20 years at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Dearborn Heights where she and husband, Anthony, raised their large family. Hundreds of students benefited from the knowledge of Jean’s ability at the piano, including most of her children and many of her grandchildren. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Salvation Army.