Connie Stipanovich

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Concetta "Connie" Dermo Stipanovich, on February 20, 2025, at the age of 84. Connie was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, on April 27, 1940, to Corradino Dermo and Mary Rose Vettraino Dermo. 

She was a devoted wife of 58 years to the late James "Jim" Stipanovich. Connie met Jim in third grade at St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Detroit, where he would steal her delicious Italian meatball sandwiches, and she would gladly do his homework—it was love at first sight. In 1958, Connie was crowned Homecoming Queen, while Jim was Football Captain, the year they graduated from St. Gregory’s School. They married at St. Gregory’s Catholic Church in Detroit, Michigan, on June 4, 1960—Jim’s 21st birthday—celebrating with over 400 classmates, family, and friends.

Together, Connie and Jim built a beautiful life filled with love and devotion. They raised three children—Steve, Sandra, and Russell—and lived in Southfield, Michigan, for 25 years. Once their children were grown, they moved full-time to their 80-acre cabin in Irons, Michigan. Connie and Jim loved spending time at their family island cottage off Harsens Island, Michigan, on Lake St. Clair. Later in life, they spent winters in Spring Hill, Florida. They also regularly visited Copper City to see Jim’s parents, George and Lussie Stipanovich, and explored Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, from jumping into the icy waters of Lake Superior to collecting rocks along the way.

Above all, Connie cherished time with her grandchildren. Whether it was vacations, sporting events, dance recitals, school plays, award ceremonies, playing bingo (with wrapped prizes), board games, cards, swimming, hunting, or fishing, these moments were the highlight of her life. What she loved most was putting the grandkids to bed while singing “100 Bottles of Beer on The Wall” until they fell fast asleep.

Connie had a passion for cooking and loved creating delicious meals for her family and friends. Her Italian cookies (Pizzelles) and authentic Italian meatballs were legendary. A true Italian at heart, she was always planning dinner before lunch was even finished.

Connie is survived by her children, Steve Stipanovich of Luther, MI, Russell (Diane) Stipanovich of Oxford, MI, and Sandra (Kenneth) Morelli of Bloomfield Hills, MI. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Rachel, Richard, and Robert, Gianni, Mia, Vance, Dante; her sister-in-law Sandy Gelman (Derek); her sister-in-law Connie Dermo (Mario); many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her cherished grand-pups, Zoey & Bellamy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Stipanovich; her parents, Corradino and Mary Rose Dermo; her brother, Mario (Connie) Dermo; her sisters, Anna (Bob) Penwich and Louise Dermo; brother-in-law Derek McAleer (Sandy); and her brother-in-law, Lawrence Stipanovich. Connie will be remembered as a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend.

She brought immeasurable joy to those around her with her kind heart and will forever remain in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life Memorial will be held at Little River Casino, 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee, Michigan 49660, on Sunday, June 22nd from 1:00pm to 4:00 pm. There will be a seated brunch served at 1:30pm, so kindly RSVP to memorial.connie@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Michigan, Fr. Solanus Casey Center/Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Alzheimer’s Association.