Lillian Martha Verkerke

Verkerke; Lillian Verkerke of Plymouth, Michigan passed away February 26 2020 at the age of 85. Beloved wife of Jim. Loving mother of Deborah Wilson, Sandy (Kurt) Nickol, Steve (Jackie) Petrovich, Sue (John) Conklin, Sue (Mike) Duffy, Dan (Karen) Verkerke, Paul Verkerke, and Ann Pitser. Proud grandmother of Carly Petrovich, Austin Nickol, Joe Petrovich, Steve Conklin, Jennifer Bitzer LaCroix, Cody Verkerke, Andrea Kenwell, Chelsea Duffy, Matt Verkerke, Casey Verkerke, Trent Pitser & Ava Pitser, four great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Dear sister of Delores (Jim) Zeh & brother Richard Nahabetian. Dear sister-in-law of Lynn Nahabetian. Lillian is predeceased by her sister June Nahabetian, sister-in-laws Roberta Nahabetian & Mary Nahabetian, brothers Homer Nahabetian & Dave Nahabetian, step-son Mike Verkerke, grandson Shawn Conklin and niece Kathy Parsons. Lillian was a born teacher and pursued a teaching career at Eastern Michigan University. As a young mother, she took child rearing very seriously. She was a Girl Scout Leader, Baseball Coach, Teen Club Coordinator, and President of the Parent Teacher Association. There were home cooked meals every night and her house was lovely. She mentored every child she came in contact with. In the early 1970’s, Lillian became a Realtor and a Broker. It became her passion and life-long career. Her customers loved her and she loved finding them the perfect home. An avid learner, Lillian was interested in just about everything! She had a brilliant mind and was a creative problem-solver. She loved the movies. A wonderful day with Lillian would include a movie with dinner afterward to discuss all aspects of the film. She was an environmentalist and championed causes of equality and women’s rights. A talented oil painter, she leaves behind iconic “Lillian” works of art. Lillian was statuesque, stylish and beautiful but it was her kindness and loving nature that made her truly special. She was energetic, engaging, and really funny! She loved making beautiful homes and gardens where she hosted amazing parties. She was a beautiful person who created beauty all around her. Anyone who knew Lillian loved her! She was totally unique. She loved her family and friends unconditionally. She was everyone’s biggest cheerleader. We miss her and take comfort that her beautiful spirit will live on with us. Gathering Saturday, March 7th, at Vermeulen-Sajewski Funeral Home, Ann Arbor Rd. W., (btwn Sheldon & Beck) Plymouth. The Family will receive guests from noon until 5PM with a Memorial Service beginning at 5 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to Make A Wish Michigan, 7600 Grand River Ave., Suite 175, Brighton, MI 48114. To share a memory, please use the Share A Memory tab on the web page.

Lillian Martha Verkerke

February 21, 1935 - February 26, 2020