Hedy Gaskey

Hedy Gaskey, age 97, passed away September 4, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family.
Family will receive friends Friday, September 6, 2024, 3-8pm, Rosary 6:30pm, at A.J. Desmond & Sons, 2600 Crooks Rd (btwn Maple Rd & Big Beaver Rd), Troy, MI 48084. Funeral Mass Saturday, September 7, 2024, 11am, at Orchard Lake St. Mary's Chapel, 3535 Commerce Rd., West Bloomfield, MI 48324.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on June 7, 1927, to Frank and Stella May, sister to Frank, Mike, Alexis and Cass. Married John Gaskey (deceased) with whom she had 8 children: Janice Nelson (Dirk), Sharon Filips (Ken), Christine Fortney, Nancy Almus (Patrick), Gerard Gaskey, Patricia Jordan (Patrick), David Gaskey (Kimberly), and Akasia Boehm. Devoted "Busi" of 12 grandchildren: Aaron Nelson (preceded her in death), Andrea Snyder (Tom), Lindsey Miller (preceded her in death) (TJ), Danelle Tucker (Ben), Robert Fortney (Tara), Stephen Nelson (Emily), Brad Filips (Elizabeth), Drew Fortney (Meredith), Bryce Almus, Kelly Almus, Bellina Johr (Joshua), and Roman Gaskey. Delighted to be Busi to 11 great grandchildren: Raegan Fortney, Jude Fortney, Owen Tucker, Levi Snyder, Jackson Fortney, Easton Snyder, Veda Nelson (preceded her in death), Asher Nelson, Marley Fortney, Milo Nelson, and Ivana Filips.
She loved the Lord Jesus and led her family in faith. She found deep satisfaction in serving her brothers and sisters in Christ at her parish and those in the surrounding community. As an active member of St. Robert Bellarmine parish, she gave many hours organizing and running events such as the annual card party and helping with the annual festival in multiple capacities over the years. She was also an active member and lector at St. Hyacinth for 28 years where she served on the parish council, Vice President of the Ladies' Auxiliary of Orchard Lake St. Mary's (OLSM), Chair of OLSM Ladies' Day Fundraising Dinner, a member of St. Stanislaus Parishioners, and President of the Pope John Paul II Rosary Society.
Beyond her tireless devotion to God and her family, she gave from her heart, volunteering with excellence, receiving accolades such as OLSM Woman of the Year 2008, Honoree of Polonia Civic Leader 2006, and the Honoree Polish-American Heritage Award 2004.
Always on the go, Hedy's many social activities and roles included: Class President St. Stanislaus high school class of 1945 (organizing class reunions well into this century), President of the Warren Polka Boosters (member for 25 years), Vice President of St. Hyacinth Jackowo Seniors, member of the Polish American Congress, writer for the weekly Polish newspaper Tygodnik Polska, member of the Polish National Alliance for 27 years, served on the Polish Parade Committee, and Board Member of the Polish Aid Society.
Hedy worked for several decades as a secretary for the State of Michigan in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Administration. After retiring she applied her professional skills, providing free secretarial services to the Wayne County Juvenile Court Services.
She was the Polka Queen of the Eastside and shined as a polka star on local cable stations. If you have ever seen Hedy polka, then you no doubt had a sense of the pure joy that she exuded as she spun around the floor at a dizzying pace without ever missing a beat or a chance to stomp her feet. Her dance card was always full but nothing compared to watching her dance with her younger brother, Cass May - even Fred and Ginger would have stopped and stared.
Her tender heart was continuously soft toward those who were in need or lonely. She shared her winning personality and witty sense of humor with everyone around her, making friends and fun wherever she went. She will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her.