Kathryn Gayeanne Stilwell

Kathryn “Gaye” Stilwell, age 86 of Livonia, formerly of Northville and Sterling Heights, passed away on April 23, 2020. She was born in Ionia, Michigan on September 3, 1933; daughter of Clifton and Rose (nee Herald) Dyke.   Gaye graduated from Annunciation Catholic School in Detroit; Class of 1951.  She was united in marriage to John A. Stilwell on October 17, 1953; they spent 54 loving years together until his death on June 27, 2008.

In the 1970’s and well before the internet, Gaye began researching the ancestry on her mother’s side.  Through many hours of using microfiche, personal interviews and other methods of research she published a book with her findings that is registered in the Library of Congress.

Gaye was a devoted homemaker; her dedication to her family was evident in the care she gave them.  She was an excellent host and loved having parties.  Every detail of her themed parties was perfect, from the decorations she made to the party favors she handed out.  Gaye was a wonderful cook and always made a lot of food.  She enjoyed traveling; some of her favorite places to visit were Hubbardston, Michigan, Mackinac Island, and Ireland.  One of her most favorite vacations was a train trip across country with her grandson Ian.  Gaye was an avid sports fan, she liked all types of sports, especially the ones she could cheer loudly for.

She is survived by her loving children, John (Brenda) Stilwell, Timothy (Denise) Stilwell, Terri (Cormac) Wright, and Elizabeth (Chris) Mason; her siblings, Conrad (Rosalie) Dyke, Cheri (Larry) Velliky, and Dennis (Mary) Dyke; her grandchildren, Rich, Pleshette, John, Thomas, Ian, Cameron, Lauren, Alexandra, and Iggy; and her great grandchildren, Kaitlin, Kaedynce, Chloe, Elliott and Emmet.  She was preceded in death by her husband, John, her infant children James and Mary, her brother Marshal “Chum” Dyke, and her sister Nancy Poulin.                                    .

Due to the limitation from COVID-19 the family will have a Celebration of Life at a later date. During this difficult time, please make sure to reach out to the family by leaving your thoughts online, with a card or a phone call.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Gaye's name to your favorite charity.