Maureen Chenot Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors - Clawson on Aug. 28, 2025.
Maureen (O'Leary) Chenot of Birmingham, MI died on August 27, 2025. She was 97 years old. Maureen was born on November 22, 1927 in Detroit, MI to Minta and Max O'Leary.
Preceded in death by her beloved husband James Emile Chenot, her dear siblings Max O'Leary, James O'Leary and Tom O'Leary, and Patricia (Russell) Roberge (neé O'Leary), her son James E. Chenot III, and her daughter Carol Chenot.
Survived by her beloved daughters Renee Chenot Lanfear and Julie (Steve) Mayer, her cherished grandchildren Sam Lanfear, Emily Mayer, Sarah (Billy) Wolf, Anna Mayer, Maggie Mayer, Maureen Mayer, Abby Mayer, Brandon Burry, and Logan Schuler. Beloved great-grandmother to Leila Wolf, George Wolf, and Eddie Wolf. Also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews, including Lynn Roberge Roland, with whom she had a special relationship.
Maureen grew up on Boston Blvd and was a Detroiter through and through. After decades as the consummate homemaker, Maureen became a real estate agent, and sold homes to many people in the Birmingham and Metro Detroit area. The only thing she was more passionate about than homes was people.
Maureen had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel important and appreciated. Whether you were a lifelong friend or someone she'd just met, Maureen's warmth and kindness made you feel seen. She collected fiercely loyal friends and admirers everywhere she went.
She was the very definition of class. She carried herself with elegance and had impeccable taste. She never had a bad thing to say about anyone and never complained, even in the worst of circumstances. There was nothing a frozen coke, a happy story or a car ride couldn't fix.
Maureen's smile was captivating and her laugh infectious. She was wonderfully silly, often laughing at herself, and had a way of making every gathering lighter and brighter. She was endlessly proud of her grandchildren, always eager to share their accomplishments with anyone who would listen.
Maureen had a profound and positive impact on everyone she met. Her radiant personality and unshakable optimism left an indelible mark on the lives of family, friends, and even strangers who were lucky enough to cross her path.
Maureen's legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held Monday, September 1st, 5-7pm, at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 1368 N. Crooks Rd., Clawson. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, September 2nd, 10am at Holy Name Catholic Church, 630 Harmon Street, Birmingham. Maureen's burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.