Marjorie Jo-Ann Cichecki, 86, died Thursday, March 3, 2022 in Shelby Township. She is preceded in death by the love of her life Theodore (Ted) Cichecki. She was the mother of Judi (Kenneth) Erick, Theodore (Danita) Cichecki and Laura (Christopher) Wenz, eleven grandchildren: James (Laura), TJ (Melissa), Joseph (Sarah), Deanna (Rafael), Shannon, Brian (Beth Montagne), Anglene (Brad), Adam (Alma), Nathan (Kenzie Tomlinson). Jennifer (William) , Devin (Christine) and ten great grandchildren. She also leaves behind her brother Joseph Metzger and is predeceased by her two sisters Joyce Covell and Janice Youngs. Marjorie was the daughter of Marjorie and Leslie Parks and the stepdaughter of Joseph Metzger

And yet, there is so much more. Jo-Ann, as she preferred to be called, was born on November 3, 1932 in Lansing, Michigan. Her father left the family early in her life and she was subsequently raised by her mother and the only man she ever knew and loved as her father, Joseph Metzger, who in turn, loved her as his own.

Jo-Ann was a woman who always knew what she wanted and never allowed anything to stop her. She had a long history of helping her fellow classmates learn to read throughout her childhood and this led to her announcing to her family that she wanted to go to college. Jo-Ann's parents had other dreams for her, but in keeping with her strong, independent nature, she left home to go to Eastern Michigan University, becoming the first person in her family to earn a college degree. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Education and later, achieved a Master's degree in Education, all while caring for her children and teaching school full time.

While at Eastern Michigan University, she met the man who would become her husband and the love of her life. After a whirlwind courtship, they married on July 5, 1958. The one act that set the tone for Jo-Ann's life was that in the days following their marriage, with all that goes into beginning a life together, Jo-Ann and her husband bought their first boat before anything else. It was always a point of pride to her and Ted that they did this. For all of Jo-Ann's life, boats and the water figured prominently.

Jo-Ann was a voracious reader and there was always an Agatha Christie book or a good mystery somewhere open to the page she last read.

But most of all, Jo-Ann loved flowers. Her gardens were always filled with flowers from the beginning of spring until the first snows of winter. Jo-Ann always said that she especially liked yellow flowers because they were strong. And in truth, those yellow flowers most exemplified the kind of person Jo-Ann was. Unassuming with a happy, quiet beauty and an underlying strength that could not be denied.

Jo-Ann was a teacher for Warren Consolidated Schools. From her first day on the job to her last, nearly 30 years later, Jo-Ann taught upper elementary and middle school students. She especially liked that they were filled with idealism and a very strong sense of fair-mindedness. She was known as a tough but fair teacher who brooked no excuses when it came to learning – a mindset she held for her students and her children alike. At home, Jo-Ann was a girl scout leader and many still credit her with teaching them to sew and just being there for them.

After their retirement, Jo-Ann and Ted became snowbirds and followed the sun to Florida every year for over 20 years. Jo-Ann loved the sun. Even when she could no longer manage, so long as the wind wasn't blowing, Jo-Ann preferred to be outside, with the sun shining on her face. Jo-Ann always proclaimed that as soon as she got better, she was going to go to Florida.

Jo-Ann was quiet and unassuming. However, when it came to loving her family, like always, and in true Jo-Ann fashion there was no stopping her. And even now, after death, there's no stopping that love.

Visiting hours will be held at Will and Schwarzkoff Funeral Home, 233 Northbound Gratiot, Mount Clemens on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 from 11:00 am until the time of Eulogy Service at 4:00 pm.   Private cremation will follow.