Elaine Pyrros Kieninger

Elaine Pyrros Kieninger, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2025, at the age of 86. Born on April 21, 1938, in Detroit, Michigan, Elaine grew up as a devoted member of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church community.
Elaine's love for language and learning led her to Michigan State University, where she majored in English. She dedicated her professional life to teaching literature and other subjects in Pontiac schools, touching countless lives throughout her career. After retiring in 1995, Elaine's passion for books remained undiminished. She read voraciously and cherished lively conversations about her favorite stories.
Family and community were at the heart of Elaine's life. Her home was always open to loved ones, and she created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for gatherings. Elaine took great pride in her family's achievements and never missed an opportunity to celebrate their milestones.
Summers at her lake house in Port Franks, Ontario, were among her happiest times. Elaine loved hosting friends and family on the shores of Lake Huron, where her hospitality and generosity made everyone feel at home. Her adventurous spirit also took her on travels to Greece, where she reconnected with her heritage, and to other parts of Europe with cherished family and friends.
Elaine's hobbies reflected her warmth and creativity. She enjoyed knitting while sharing stories and laughter with friends, leaving behind tangible tokens of her love and care.
Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Toula and Harry Pyrros, and her brothers, Arthur and Nicholas Pyrros, whose early passing she mourned deeply.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 52 years, Alan Kieninger; her loving daughter, Alicia Kieninger, and son-in-law, Mark Mantay; and her treasured grandson, Holden, along with step-grandchildren Mark and Philip Mantay. Elaine also leaves behind her stepson, Christopher Kieninger, and his wife, Julie. Her cherished nieces and nephews, Nicholas Pyrros (Shelley), Stephanie Henson (Bradley), Suzanne Sadek (Chris), and Lauren Pyrros, as well as her great-nieces and nephews, Alexis Augustyn (Joey and son Presley), Dominic Pyrros, Nigel Sadek (Ashley), Rea Sadek, and Finnegan Henson, will forever hold her in their hearts. She is also survived by many dear family members in Greece.
Elaine's warmth, kindness, and love of learning will be remembered by all who knew her. She leaves a legacy of generosity, intellectual curiosity, and deep love for her family and friends.
A visitation and celebration of Elaine's life will be held on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, 2pm-8pm with Trisagion 7pm, at A.J. Desmond & Sons Funeral Home, 2600 Crooks Rd., Troy 248-362-2500.
Funeral service Thursday, January 23, 2025, 11am at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 Wattles Rd., Troy. Visitation at church begins at 10am.
Memorial tributes can be made in Elaine's name to the Nursing Fund at Trinity Health Oakland. Checks should be made payable to: Trinity Health Oakland (Nursing Fund in memo) and mailed to: Trinity Health Michigan, PO Box 7410140, Chicago, IL 60674-0140.