Lorraine "Lori" Piejak

It is with great love and sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Lorraine “Lori” Piejak of Troy, Michigan passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 13, 2026. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 26, 1944, to Janina “Jean” (Majewski) and Edward Planeta. Lori grew up on Wisner Street in Detroit with her older sister, Carolyn “Carol”. She attended Holy Name of Jesus Elementary School and later Commerce High School, and after graduating worked at Procter & Gamble’s downtown Detroit office. She married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence “Larry” Piejak, on August 21, 1965. Lori will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Dr. Lisa Piejak (Jim Prokup) of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and Linda Mitchell (Kevin) of Andover, Massachusetts; her grandchildren Greysen Mitchell, and Lauryn and Katie Prokup; her brother-in-law Bill Schuster of Romeo, Michigan; sister-in-law Diana Piejak (Tommy, deceased) of Washington, Michigan; in-laws Ronnie and Pat Piejak of Troy, Michigan; step-grandsons Drew Prokup (Jess Lane) and Evan Prokup (Angella); step-great-granddaughters Florence and Grace Prokup; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Larry, in 2021; her son, Lindsay, in 2023; and her sister, Carol, in 2025. In 1974, Lori and Larry moved their young family from Auburn Hills to Troy, where they built a life centered on family, community, and lifelong friendships. After raising her children, Lori earned her Associate’s Degree from Oakland Community College and devoted over 20 years to the Troy School District, retiring in 2006 as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of Elementary Education. Lori was a caring and joyful mother. She led the PTA at the kids’ elementary schools, volunteered as a Bluebird troop leader for Lisa, served as Cookie Mom for Linda’s Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and rarely missed one of Lindsay’s soccer games. When Lindsay played on the travel soccer team, Lori and Larry embraced the many road trips, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. She was known for her beautiful gardens, filled with roses, peonies, and hydrangeas, as well as for her creativity and care at home. Lori sewed clothes for her children when they were young and was an exceptional cook. Family and friends especially looked forward to her Thanksgiving turkey and her famous dressing, along with her meatballs, potato salad, and coleslaw. Summers were spent outdoors, with long days by the backyard pool and weekends enjoying time with family at Carol and Bill’s cottage in Caseville, Michigan. Lori had a lovely singing voice and cherished family traditions, including singing Polish carols at Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit. A lifelong learner, she and Larry enjoyed taking classes together at the Troy Community Center, including macrame, disco dancing, and even Mandarin. Lori also took up cake decorating and delighted in making beautiful birthday cakes for her children and grandchildren. She had a special fondness for Siamese cats—Trini I, Trini II, and Gonzo—and the family dogs, Pom-Pom and Honey. After her children left for college, Lori gave her time and care to her parents and extended family, offering support, companionship, and help with appointments. Lori’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. They affectionately called her Grandma Banana and have fond memories of time spent at Grandma’s house, filled with favorite toys like a Dora the Explorer dollhouse and a Hot Wheels track that stretched from the kitchen into the living room. In the garage sat a red Power Wheels Corvette, parked beside Larry’s own Corvette, that brought endless delight as Greysen, Lauryn cruised up and down the sidewalks of Patterson Drive. They also remember Hallmark movies always playing in the background. Lori and Larry loved to travel, especially to Hawaii, and cherished vacations with their children and grandchildren—trips to the Smoky Mountains, Hershey’s Chocolate World, Washington, D.C., South Carolina, Mackinac Island, Boston, and Disney World, where once the current took Grandma on an accidental extra loop around the Lazy River, much to Greysen’s, Lauryn’s, and Katie’s amusement. Lori and Larry especially enjoyed road trips together in their Corvette and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015 with a lovely trip to Boyne Mountain and Northern Michigan with all of their children and grandchildren. Lori will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and quiet devotion to those she loved. She will be deeply missed. Above all, her family will remember the love, the laughter, and that turkey dressing.

Lorraine "Lori" Piejak

January 26, 1944 - June 13, 2026