Jean Paterson Fundukian

Jean Paterson Fundukian of Flat Rock, NC and Northville, Michigan passed away Friday November 1 in the comfort of her home at the age of 78.

She was preceded in death by her parents William “Gordon” Paterson and Gertrude Cunningham Paterson and her brother Jack Paterson. She was the proud mother of Laurie, Julie (James) and John (Melissa), loving grandmother to Leah and James and Paige and William, Aunt to many nieces and nephews, and beloved wife of John, to whom she was married for 55 years.

Jean was a retired pre-school and elementary school teacher who was awarded Teacher of the Year at Loon Lake Elementary in Walled Lake Michigan, and was the school’s certified Science curriculum lead. She was a proud Highland Park High School and Adrian College alumnus, and did graduate work in education at Wayne State University. At Adrian, she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority, serving as president for one year; the friendships from being a “ChiO” continued throughout her life. Her many long friendships stemmed from rewarding activities, including chaperoning her children’s performing arts trips, singing in the choir and playing bells for the United Methodist Church in Milford, MI, where she was a long-time member, and membership in the local NC chapter of PEO International. Jean, along with her husband, family and friends, was an avid traveler, with highlights including many parts of Canada (where her family had a home on Lake Huron) and Europe, the U.S. (Hilton Head was a favorite and she visited Alaska twice) and Russia. Jean had a passion for the arts that she passed on to her children: she sang, played the piano and acted in school and community theater productions, as well as attended many great theater productions. She was very proud of her Scottish and Irish heritage, and enjoyed the Armenian culture (especially the food!)  In high school, she was on the synchronized swimming team and was voted “All American Girl.” And she truly was.

She lived a full, happy and beautiful life and will be extremely missed by her loving husband John and her entire family, and all whom she called friends. 

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