Jeanne Stempien

Jeanne Stempien, age 79, longtime resident of Northville, passed away on October 9, 2025. She was born on November 30, 1945 in Detroit; daughter of Bernard and Louise (Fonteyn) Nozewski. Jeanne was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gregory Stempien on August 12, 1966 and they spent 59 years devoted to one another.

Highly intelligent and an incredibly hardworking student, Jeanne graduated from Fordson High School in Dearborn with the Class of 1963. She went on to attend Henry Ford Community College and later the University of Michigan–Dearborn, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. Jeanne began her career as a teacher in Taylor before choosing to dedicate her time to raising her family. Once her youngest child started kindergarten, she returned to school, earning her Juris Doctor from the Detroit College of Law, where she graduated with honors and received multiple scholastic awards.

Following graduation, Jeanne began a long and successful career in law at the private practice she shared with her husband, Stempien and Stempien, in Livonia. Her work also included serving as a Special Assistant Attorney for the State of Michigan, assisting with overflow cases. A standout at the Judicial College in Reno, Nevada, Jeanne was later invited to return as an adjunct professor, leading small group classes. She was a proud member of the American Trial Lawyers Association, Michigan Association for Justice, and the Livonia Bar Association. In 1992, Jeanne was elected as a Wayne County Circuit Court Judge, taking office on January 1, 1993. Deeply respected by her peers, she was re-elected four times. Known for her fairness, calm demeanor, and good judgment, Jeanne earned the admiration of both colleagues and attorneys who appeared before her. She retired in 2013, just shy of 21 years of dedicated service to Wayne County. Never one to slow down, Jeanne went on to establish her own mediation and arbitration practice before fully retiring in 2020.

Jeanne had a deep love for travel and explored many destinations throughout the United States and Europe. She made several trips to London and Paris, journeyed through Italy, and visited many islands across the Caribbean. She also enjoyed time in New York and one of her favorite cities, San Francisco. Jeanne cherished the time spent at her home in Sarasota, Florida, first during family vacations and later chasing the warm weather as a snowbird starting in 2020. Jeanne enjoyed playing golf and was a longtime member of Western Golf and Country Club. She was also an excellent cook who loved trying new recipes and recreating dishes she discovered in her favorite gourmet magazines.

Jeanne’s greatest joy in life was her family, whom she loved above all else. She shared a close loving relationship with her husband and together they built a happy life. Jeanne treasured every moment with her children and especially her grandchildren, creating lasting memories through the annual vacations she so enjoyed taking with them. Her unwavering love and devotion to her family were at the heart of who she was. Jeanne will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Jeanne is survived by her loving husband, Gregory Stempien; her children, Nicole (Mark) Gardner and Eric (Mary) Stempien; her grandchildren, Brett Gardner, Ryan Gardner, Colin Gardner, Bridget (fiancé Carl Banerian) Stempien, and Brooke Stempien; her siblings, Kenneth Fonteyn and Laura Bertus; and her brother-in-law, Marvin (Corinne) Stempien. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Robert Nozewski.

Private family services will be held.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial contributions to U of M, Brain Bank Discovery Fund #322807, 3003 S. State St., Ste 8000, Ann Arbor, MI 48109.