Elizabeth Marie Kitz

Elizabeth "Betty" Marie Kitz age 87, of Farmington Hills, MI, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. Betty was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be profoundly missed. A woman of deep Catholic faith, Betty's life was guided by her unwavering belief in God's love.
Betty's Catholic faith guided her life, shaping her marriage and family life, and her ability to build deep and life-long friendships. She was devoted to making others feel special, sharing her laughter and warmth with everyone she met, and had a great gift of hospitality that was a hallmark of her life.
She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Charles "Charlie" Kitz; daughter Alicia (Bill) McSweeney of Melrose, MA; son Michael (Mary Fran) Kitz of Granger, IN; son Brian (Kristi) Kitz of Commerce Township, MI; and daughter Carolyn Kitz of Mishawaka, IN. Betty was the proud and loving grandmother to Ryan (Katie) McSweeney, Kara (Arun) McSweeney, Lindsay (Jimmy) Liber, Brendan Kitz (fiancée Lexie Pogaznik), Catherine (Andrew) Clark, Megan Kitz, and Claire Kitz. She was also the beloved great-grandmother of Patrick and Leo Clark, Will Liber, and Indrani McSweeney. Her enduring love and kindness remains forever in their hearts.
Born on March 1, 1937, in Batesville, IN, Betty was the only child of the late Vincent and Elizabeth McGlynn. Growing up in Cincinnati, OH, Betty attended St. Margaret of Cortona School, St. Mary's High School, and Our Lady of Cincinnati. Here her faith was instilled at a young age and fostered throughout young adulthood, and it became a lifelong source of strength and guidance.
Betty met Charlie in Detroit on a blind date in 1955. Their courtship included long-distance letter writing between Cincinnati and Detroit, and they married on August 23, 1958, in Cincinnati. Betty supported Charlie through graduate school in Pittsburgh, PA, and together they found joy in building a life rooted in faith, love, and family. Although she was an only child, she quickly embraced Charlie's six siblings as her own, forging familial bonds with all of them.
Betty and Charlie made their home in the Detroit area, where they raised their family and built a household that reflected their Catholic values. Betty always made room at the family table on holidays and special occasions, especially for those who might otherwise be alone. On many holidays Betty welcomed friends of her children to join the family, each time surprising them with Christmas gifts under the tree and Easter baskets to enjoy.
Betty had a passion for travel. She and Charlie visited all seven continents, and Betty loved discovering new cultures and traditions. Yet no matter how far she traveled, her spiritual compass never wavered - she always found a Catholic church for Sunday Mass, whether in bustling metropolises or the most unexpected locations, including the time she found a Mass in Moscow despite the strict communist regime. She especially cherished family trips, creating treasured memories of grand anniversary celebrations with the entire family, organizing "girls" trips with her daughters and granddaughters, and with Charlie, instilling a love of travel with their grandchildren as each one had a special trip with Grandma and Pudda to a place of their choice in Europe.
For many years, she owned The Burl, a gift shop in Birmingham, MI, where she shared unique items inspired by her travels. Her business savvy and attention to detail impressed her family, and her ability to connect with people made her shop a beloved local treasure.
A devoted fan of the University of Notre Dame, Betty loved visiting the campus, cheering on the Fighting Irish, attending Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and once again displaying her gift of hospitality by hosting renowned tailgates for home football games with Charlie for decades. Her faith and love for Notre Dame became a family tradition, passed down to her children and grandchildren.
Betty found great peace and joy in her second home in Pebble Beach, CA, where she deepened
friendships and made lasting memories. She cherished the sunsets at Bird Rock along 17-Mile Drive and marveled at the beauty of Big Sur.
Betty's legacy is one of love, kindness, and deep faith. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Her enduring spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Missionaries of Charity. The Missionaries of Charity depend totally on Divine Providence in the form of freewill offerings made by those who wish to share in the works of Mother Teresa. You may contact them at mcsisterskolkata@gmail.com or motherhouse@missionariesofcharity.org to make a free will offering.
Funeral Services:
Saturday, January 11, 2025
Our Lady of Orchard Lake Chapel
3535 Commerce Road, Orchard Lake
Visitation from 10:30-11:30am
Mass of Christian Burial begins at 11:30am
Burial Services:
Tuesday, January 14, 2025
University of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, Indiana
Memorial Mass at the Chapel of St Edward's Hall 10:30am
Graveside Service at Cedar Grove Cemetery immediately following Mass