Amy Langdon

Amy, of Farmington Hills, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, passed into eternal life on Sunday evening, August 11, 2024. A true American patriot, Amy proudly served her country as one of the iconic "Rosie the Riveters" during World War II, contributing her skills and dedication to the war effort. She was 102 years old.
Born on July 25, 1922, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late James and Mary (Carkeek) Ellis, Amy was a trailblazer from an early age. While attending Michigan State College, she spent her summers working at the Highland Park Ford Plant on the M-7 Director, expertly wiring the electrical systems that helped guide the altitude of aerial devices in planes. She graduated from Michigan State in 1945 and remained a fiercely proud Spartan throughout her life. She married Joseph Langdon on March 20, 1944, on the Army Air Corps Base in Kingman, Arizona.
Amy's commitment to service didn't end with the war. She was a lifelong philanthropist, considering herself a professional volunteer. For more than 46 years, she was a dedicated volunteer at Beaumont Hospital, becoming the hospital's longest-serving volunteer. Her passion for helping others extended to the Farmington Public School System, where she led garden therapy sessions for special needs children, using her expertise as an avid gardener and master flower show judge. Amy was also a practitioner of Ikebana, the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging, and an active member of Farmington's Hill and Dale Garden Club.
Amy's faith was an integral part of her life, and she served as a Stephen Minister at Nardin Park United Methodist Church in Farmington Hills, providing care and support to those in need. Her creativity knew no bounds-she was a gifted artist and professional painter, capturing the beauty of her surroundings in her work. Together with her late husband, Joe, she visited 55 countries, painting her favorite memories from each trip.
Despite her many accomplishments, Amy remained humble and kind, always concerned for others. She was everyone's friend, with a sense of humor that never wavered, even in her later years. Her love for life was evident in everything she did, from solving crosswords and jigsaw puzzles to golfing on her 102nd birthday just two weeks ago.
Amy's legacy is one of service, creativity, and an unyielding love for life and people. She brought joy to everyone she met, and her positive spirit was a beacon of light to all who knew her. She was a true patriot, a proud Spartan, and a devoted volunteer, who will be deeply missed.
Amy is survived by her loving daughters, Mary (Jerry) Smith and Martha Langdon; granddaughters, Shannon Smith and Erinn (Andy) Smith; and great-grandchildren, Riley and Harper. She is reunited in eternal peace with her husband, Joe, who passed in 1983 following 38 years of marriage; siblings, James Ellis and Barbara Harbin; as well as her cherished companion of 22 years, John Morris.
Family and friends may gather for visitation at Heeney-Sundquist on Monday, August 26, from 2-8 pm.
Amy's funeral ceremony is planned for Tuesday morning, August 27, at 11:00 am (in state at 10:00 am) at Nardin Park United Methodist Church, 29887 West 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills.
Interment will follow on Wednesday at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI.
Memorial tributes are kindly suggested to the P.E.O. Sisterhood (Chapter BI), a Philanthropic Education Organization, of which Amy was a proud member of for decades, or the Nardin Park Music Program.