Elizabeth I. DeCarli

Elizabeth I. DeCarli, 97, of Redford, our strong, loving, kind, matriarch passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 27, 2021 in Livonia, MI. She was born in Detroit on January 2, 1924 to the late William and Irene Thompson.

Liz was born with a good sense of humor and used it marvelously throughout her life. Whether it was teasing her sister, Catherine, in her younger years, or teasing family members with precision, Liz was always on her game (and often a few steps ahead!). She (and husband, Reynold) shared a deep and life-long friendship with best friends June and Dave Davidson and, together, their quick wit was unmatched. Family was everything, and bringing those she loved together as one brought her the greatest joy.

Family gatherings were often serenaded by her world-famous opera singing, trills, or the occasional tap dance (in her eighties!). Her family will always remember and pass on her famous southern recipes; oyster dressing, fried green apples (only use Lodis!), and apple pies.She loved life, and she especially loved her husband, Reynold. Their 73 years of marriage was centered around mutual respect, compassion, and true love. The family referenced the famous quote from Les Miserable to describe their parents devoted love for one another, “To love another person is to see the face of God.” Liz was a strong woman who believed in standing up for what you believe, but always insisted that these beliefs should be conveyed with grace and respect. She was so proud to stand back and see this strength, confidence, and dignity in her three daughters as they grew into the women they are today. She often reminisced ‘I had a baby in the 40s, 50s and 60s and not too many people can say that!” She was a phenomenal mother who packed awesome lunches, gave equal love, and always had her daughters’ backs. Liz was woman of substance who knew where she was going, and how she was going to get there. She was not just the family matriarch; she was the family role-model over generations. She will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.

Elizabeth is the beloved wife of Reynold of 74 unforgettable years. Dearest mother of Catherine (Daniel) Neibauer, Diane DeCarli-Giangrande, and Carolyn DeCarli-Conroy. Cherished grandmother of Michael (Allie) Giangrande; Christina (Anthony) Osborne; Danielle (Dave) Kelner, Michael (Sarah) Neibauer; Rachael Conroy, and William Conroy. Loving great-grandmother (GG Mother) of Connor James, Olivia Ray, Fiona Irene, Isla Rose, and Miles Douglas, Preceeded in death by her sister, Catherine Lanning.

Friends may visit the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth on Saturday, January 30, 2021 from 4pm until the time of service at 6pm. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulcher, Southfield.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Penrickton Center for the Blind. (www.penrickton.org)

As of November 18, 2020, we are permitted to 25 people per room in attendance for gatherings and funerals. We kindly ask for the safety and well-being of the families we serve, and for your health, that everyone practice social distancing and consideration for other guests in attendance. Masks are required. Please refrain from handshaking and embracing family members and one another.