Michelle Frances Zander

Michelle Frances Zander, 65 years of age, passed away at home on August 23rd, 2016. Michelle was born on February 10, 1951, she grew up in Detroit, MI. Later in life she earned a Bachelor of Science from Detroit Mercy and a Masters in Education from The University of Michigan- Dearborn. She was a dedicated elementary school teacher for 20 years in Detroit. Michelle was a devout Catholic and always held her faith as the most important thing in her life. In addition to going to church weekly and praying the rosary daily she demonstrated her faith by participating in organizations such as St. Vincent DePaul. Michelle's generosity was felt by everyone who knew her, she gave everything she had to others and put the needs of others above her own. Michelle's great passion in life was her family. She met the love of her life, Darwin Zander, and the two spent over 40 years together and shared a treasured love story. They raised 2 children together, Terra (Spencer) and Maggie (Graham). Michelle and her family spent a lot of time talking, laughing and enjoying life. Michelle's three granddaughters Ahlivia (Spencer), Jillian (Spencer) and Carly (Graham) were the apples of her eye. They made her eyes sparkle with happiness, she loved teaching them how to read and couldn't hear enough about the "little things" that made up their days. She spoiled them with gifts big and small, but above all spoiled them with hugs, kisses and love. She also had a very close relationship with her brother, Charles Sharp and the two could talk politics and current affairs for hours. Michelle was born with a rare heart condition and endured may heart operations throughout her life. No one thought she would live to be 5 or 10 years old, the fact that she lived to be 65 is a true testament of her unwavering faith in the Lord and her triumphant spirit. To know Michelle was to love her. She was a remarkable person that will never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. We love you Mom. The Visitation Service will be held Friday August 26th at R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home, 15451 Farmington Rd. Livonia, 48154 from 2-9 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Saturday at St. Priscilla's Catholic Church, 19120 Purlingbrook Livonia, MI 48152 at 10 a.m. Directly following Mass the burial will take place at Grand Lawn Cemetery, 23501 Grand River Detroit 48219. Please share a memory of Michelle by signing her guestbook. Funeral Home: R.G. & G.R. Harris Funeral Home and Cremation Services 15451 Farmington Rd. Livonia, MI US 48154