Maria Clotilde Pfaff

Maria Clotilde (Tilde)Pfaff, 90, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on September 15, 1933, in Verona, Italy, Tilde was the daughter of Piero and Marie (Ferrari) Zorzi. Her life journey took her across continents, where she embraced family, community, and education with equal passion and grace.
Tilde's story of love began when she met her husband, Rae, while he was serving in the U.S. Army and she worked for an Italian company contracted with the U.S. government. Fate brought them together again when Maria traveled to the United States on vacation, reunited with Rae, and soon after, they married on September 22, 1960, and lived in the Detroit area most of their married life. Their partnership spanned over six decades, built on mutual respect, love, and a shared sense of adventure.
A dedicated mother, Tilde raised her three children, Michael, Peter, and Marie, with Rae imparting in them the same zest for life and strong values she held dear. Later in life, she pursued higher education, obtaining her master's degree and becoming a beloved language teacher. Her students and colleagues admired her dedication to education and her forward-thinking outlook on life.
Tilde was a woman of many talents and interests. An avid tennis player, she enjoyed staying active and was passionate about hiking, skiing, knitting, sewing, and sailing. She shared her love for sailing with her children, teaching them the skills to navigate the waters surrounding the family's cherished cottage on Eagle Island in northern Wisconsin. Her adventurous spirit and zest for life were matched only by her kindness and generosity, making her truly one of the nicest people one could ever meet.
In addition to teaching, Tilde served on the board of the Dante Alegheri Society, fostering cultural exchange and promoting Italian heritage. She also was a dedicated volunteer at the Detroit Institute of Arts, where she brought her love for art and culture to others.
Tilde is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Rae; her sons, Michael (Millie) and Peter (Pamela); her daughter, Marie (Matthew) Wilson; her four grandchildren, Jonathan, Julie, Helena, and Owen; and her great-grandson, Nolan. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Antonio and Michele.
Tilde's legacy is one of love, resilience, and unwavering kindness. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her family will forever cherish the memories of a life well lived.
Services for Tilde will be held at a later date in the Detroit area. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Janowicz Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.