Ileen Fay Kinsey

KINSEY, ILEEN FAY (LOEFFLER) Chelsea, MI formerly of Ann Arbor
Ileen Fay (Loeffler) Kinsey of Chelsea, Michigan and formerly of Ann Arbor, died at home on March 29, 2014 with her loving family surrounding her and in the care of her granddaughter Stacey, a licensed nurse practitioner who was inspired by her mother and grandma Ileen to become a nurse. Ileen was born in Chelsea in 1927, the daughter of Herbert and Edna (Maroney) Loeffler. She graduated from Chelsea High School in 1945 and shared valedictorian honors that year. Ileen attended Michigan State University (then Michigan State College) and graduated "with honors" in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Technology. She worked as a Medical Technologist at the University of Michigan Hospital before devoting her life to homemaking. In 1947, she married Richard "Dick" Kinsey of Chelsea, MI and he survives. Dick and Ileen celebrated 66 years of "wedded bliss." They had their disagreements, but through it all they were fun-loving, hardworking partners in life that were the exemplar for a strong marriage. Ileen was a devoted wife, mother and homemaker. Ileen was the beloved mother of Karna (Dennis) Brandt, Kathy Kinsey and Rich (Toni) Kinsey. She was a very insightful, quick witted, inspirational figure to her five grandchildren: Robert Brandt of Dewitt, Chris Chambers of Ann Arbor, Stacey Chambers of Canton, Rick Kinsey of Marquette and Peter Kinsey of Traverse City. Ileen was a great-grandmother to Nicholas, Jacob and Tyler Brandt, all of DeWitt. Ileen battled lung cancer for eight years and never lost her wry sense of humor, keen intellect or honest appraisal of life as she encountered it. Ileen was an extraordinary woman and her family agreed that although she was shy in nature to those outside the family, she was a perceptive, sensible and frank matriarch of the family. Ileen enjoyed traveling, reading, summering on North Lake, slot machines on occasion and knitting. Her knitting was incredible and each family has numerous examples of her sweaters and afghans to keep them as warm as their memories of Ileen. The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful caregivers who assisted Ileen in her final days. The staff at the University of Michigan Hospital, the nurses from Synergy, and Arbor Hospice were kind and compassionate throughout Ileen's final struggle. This kindness and compassion will never be forgotten. Cremation and a family memorial have taken place. The family urges well-wishers to enjoy time with their own families and give to the charity of their choice. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.