Jillian E. LaFray, Died March 14, 2018

Jillian “Jill” Eileen LaFray

Died March 14, 2018

Jill was born in Brighton, England on September 30, 1943 to parents John Arthur Ellis and Joan Mary Ellis (Sida).  On the morning of March 14, 2018, at MediLodge (Tendercare) in Suttons Bay, Jill passed away at the age of 74 and went to a better place.  She is survived by her sons, John Olszewski and Matthew Olszewski (Corry); grandchildren Dean and Hannah Olszewski; sisters Dianne Gentz (Ron), Donna Ellis Thornthwaite (Robert) and Janet Elling (Jim) and an abundance of nephews, nieces and cousins near and far.

Jill and her mother soon left England and immigrated to Canada in 1944.  Her father joined them in St. Johns, New Brunswick at the end of his Canadian army service in World War II.  The family moved to Wyandotte, Michigan in 1955 where Jill attended Wyandotte Public Schools. Jill graduated from T. Roosevelt High School (RHS) in 1961.  Being the eldest of 4 girls, Jill was a kind and loving sister as she helped her parents with household chores and the care of her younger siblings. She enjoyed singing in St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Choir and RHS’s A cappella Choir.

During her teenage years, Jill reveled in pizza parties, rock & roll music and dancing with friends.  After graduation, she went on to attend Eastern Michigan University.  Upon her first marriage to Thomas Olszewski, she began her banking career as a teller for Wyandotte Savings Bank, where she ended up becoming a branch head teller.  With Tom, she had 2 boys, John and Matt.

Jill was a person who John and Matt were always proud to call their mother.  She always did her best at raising her sons and finding activities to broaden their lives, whether it was racquetball, skiing or hockey.  She was an ardent Hockey Mom, taking her son Matt to hockey practices, games and tournaments throughout his early years and through high school.  She volunteered to be team manager for several of Matt’s teams and was also one of the loudest fans in the stands.  She always gave a lot and accepted little in return. 

In August of 1983, Jill married Jerry LaFray.  Along with her two boys, they moved to Canton, Michigan.  Some years later, she and Jerry moved permanently to their home on Big Platte Lake in Honor, Michigan.  Jill soon began work as a loan officer and in customer relations at Central State Bank, finally retiring at the age of 62.

Jill received great pleasure in giving her time and sharing her professional experience as a volunteer.  She was a Treasurer for the Benzie County Garden Club and for the Paul Oliver Hospital Auxiliary.  Jill also volunteered her time at the hospital gift shop for years.  She was well liked at work and by her neighbors, loved as a good friend and was a helpful, supportive daughter and caregiver to her mother.   

Jill and Jerry enjoyed their lakeside life as well as winter travels to Alabama, Florida and beyond.  Entertaining their many good friends and hosting their annual Super Bowl parties gave them great joy.  Jill dearly loved the visits from her sons and their families.  Both Jill and Jerry’s immediate and extended family members were always welcome anytime at their home.  She often expressed how fortunate she felt and had enormous gratitude and love towards the family and friends she had in the life she shared with Jerry.  Jerry died in March of 2017, at the age of 86.

Until Jill became ill, she excelled in creating and having fun throughout her life with both family and friends.  Jill suffered from invasive squamous cell carcinoma and progressive supranuclear palsy.  Jill’s family would like to thank the Tendercare staff for the excellent care given to Jill over the past year and a half.  A big thank you goes out to her extended family and friends who advocated for, helped and visited Jill.  In addition, Hospice of Michigan provided kind and professional care for Jill during the last four months of her life. 

Cremation has taken place and John and Matt are planning a Celebration of Life for Jill to be held at a later date.

Condolences and/or donations for memorials may be directed to Matthew and/or John Olszewski, 3219 Alderdale Drive, Sterling Heights, Michigan 48310, or email for Matt at m-c_olszewski@comcast.net, and John at tiredpuppyone@yahoo.com

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