Ann Zenz

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our mother, Ann Zenz, on November 19, 2023. Ann was brought into the world on July 17, 1962, to the late James and Eileen Stereff in Monroe, MI. She was the youngest of six children.

Ann graduated from St. Mary's High School in 1980. It was during high school that Ann met Peter. Ann and Peter quickly became high school sweethearts. They married on December 4, 1980. Their love was undeniable and remained the foundation of their lives. They celebrated forty-two years of marriage this past December.

Soon after getting married, Peter enlisted and began serving in the US Army. During his four years of service, Ann remained by her husband's side and traveled from Louisiana to Germany. During their time abroad, Ann welcomed their first child.

Once they returned to the States, Ann began her journey of becoming a licensed cosmetologist. Ann worked in the beauty industry for over two decades. She loved what she did and built many meaningful relationships with both clients and coworkers.

Ann loved children and was an amazing, nurturing mother to her three children: Joel, Kelly, and Angela. She decided in her forties to pursue a degree in early life childhood education to follow her passion for helping children. After many years of dedication, Ann reached her goal and obtained her bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University.

Ann had a heart of gold. She loved deeply. She cared deeply. And she deeply wanted to make a difference in other's lives. Her smile and laugh always lit up any room she was in – especially in her later years during her decline with Lewy Body dementia. She truly was the light in so many lives.

Ann is survived by her children; Joel Zenz of Traverse City, Kelly (Dillon Oloughlin) Zenz of Traverse City, and Angela (Rudy) Rodriguez of Northport; three grandchildren, Jacob, Sophia, and Leo; sister Cheryl (Dennis Marchese) Stereff; brothers Jimmy (Marianne)Stereff, John (Mary)Stereff, and Chris Stereff. Additionally, Ann is survived by many nieces and nephews she loved dearly. Ann was preceded in death by her dear husband, Peter; parents James and Eileen Stereff; in-laws John and Helen Zenz; brother Darryl Stereff; and granddaughters Aubriana and Skylar Rodriguez.

A funeral service honoring Ann's life will take place at 11 am on Tuesday, November 28th at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union Street in Traverse City, with a luncheon and burial at the Grand Traverse Memorial Gardens to follow.