LeRiene Therese Hallwood

HALLWOOD, LeRiene Therese, of Flint Township, aged 84, passed away peacefully in her sleep December 14, 2022. A funeral mass celebrating LeRiene’s life will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, G-3139 Hogarth Avenue, Flint Township, Rev. Fr. Anthony Strouse officiating. The family will receive visitors at Swartz Funeral Home at 1225 W. Hill Road, Flint on Tuesday, December 20, 2022 from 4-7pm and 9-10am at St Pius X Church prior to the funeral mass.

LeRiene was born on January 28, 1938, the daughter of the late Robert and Marie (Cloutier) Dwyer. She was a 1955 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Flint. LeRiene married the love of her life, Jack Hallwood, on September 15, 1956. They were married for 63 wonderful years sharing a beautiful life of love, laughter, family and devotion.

“Sweet LeRiene” was an absolute treasure to everyone who knew her. Her example of unconditional love left a great impact on her family. She was the life of the party, had a fantastic sense of humor, and loved to sing, dance and laugh. LeRiene was a classy lady who always had her nails and hair done, and loved to dress up for any occasion. She was an amazing cook, artistic, loved wrapping presents and had the ability to make everyone feel joy when in her presence. LeRiene fought a very courageous battle for 18 years overcoming the impact of a massive stroke. She accepted her limitations but never gave up no matter how hard it was for her to complete any task. LeRiene’s determination to overcome adversity was a powerful lesson for her children and grandchildren.

In the opinion of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, words cannot capture how wonderful she was. Their “Neen” was a warm and loving presence, had a tenderness about her and was as sweet and loving as a person could ever be. She had an unassuming intellect, was the queen of crossword puzzles, a champion dancer with Grandpa, a fighter and a survivor. Neen had a never-ending supply of wit and charm and was very easy to adore. They all genuinely liked her and thought she was cute. They will cherish the memories of coffee with Neen, her silly songs, eating graham crackers and milk at her counter, crying when it was time to go home, the lingering smell of her perfume when they got home, the way she made them feel special with nicknames like “doll”, played Mac and Bud, and her tickles with “little people walking up your back.” They know they were blessed with the best grandmother.

Left to cherish her memory are daughters, Victoria (Don) Laney, Lisa (late Chris) Cherwinski, Mary (Ron) Neifert and son, John Hallwood, grandchildren, Rob (Heather) Polovina, Brianna (Eric) Meldrum, Brendan Laney, Nicole (Mike) Wing, Anthony (Brittany) Cherwinski, Benjamin Cherwinski, Stewart (Alexandra) Neifert, Hannah (Cameron) Hall, Abbey (Layne) Zirkle; Great grandchildren, Jackson and Annabelle Polovina, Mila and Chloe Meldrum, Braden, Evan, Jase and Reese Wing, Willa and Indigo Pimentel Cherwinski, Eleanor Neifert, Brother Donald (Charlotte) Dwyer, Sisters in law, Beverly Gillett, Barbara Hallwood, Brother in law, Leon (Beverly) Hallwood, many nieces, nephews and friends.

LeRiene was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her parents, sister, Suzanne Brindle, brother, Denis Dwyer, son in law, Chris Cherwinski and several brothers and sisters in law.

Special thanks to LeRiene’s caregiver Erica at All American Hospice and her Sugarbush family and caregivers for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Stroke Association.