Lenore J. Wilson Obituary
A celebration of Lenore's life will be held on June 14, 2025, at 11:00am at Milwood United Methodist Church, luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her name to Loaves and Fishes or Milwood United Methodist Church.
Lenore J. (Falvey) Wilson, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and lifelong educator, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2025, at Meilland Memory Care, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on November 10, 1936, to George and Bessie Falvey, Lenore's life was marked by a deep commitment to learning, family, and community. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1954 and went on to earn both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Michigan University. Her passion for education led to a fulfilling 40-year career as a teacher with Kalamazoo Public Schools, where she inspired generations of students before retiring in 1998.
On December 17, 1960, Lenore married Jack S. Wilson. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and the joy of raising five daughters. She was a firm believer in the power of education and instilled in her children the importance of academic achievement, ensuring that each one earned a college degree, paving the way for their success.
Beyond her professional life, Lenore embraced the simple joys of gardening, cooking, reading, and long walks—especially those spent hand in hand with her great-grandchildren. As a dedicated member of the Burke View Garden Club, she served as both treasurer and president, sharing her love of nature with her community. She was also a devoted member and supporter of Milwood United Methodist Church for more than 50 years, where she found joy in worship, fellowship, and lifelong friendships.
After retirement, Lenore and Jack traveled frequently, visiting their grandchildren in California and Maine and exploring new places together through the Elderhostel program. These adventures brought them great joy and deepened the bonds they shared with family and friends. Lenore leaves behind a legacy of love and wisdom. She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Jack Wilson; her five daughters: Jennifer Rice (Tony, deceased) of Richland, MI; Jacqueline (David) Pelavin of Santa Rosa, CA; Andrea Wilson of Kalamazoo, MI; Stephanie Wilson of San Francisco, CA; and Kerry (Mike) Brenner of Williamstown, MA. She is also survived by her cherished grandchildren: Chloe Rice, Chelsea (Chris) Liberati, Paula (Matt) Warford, Vadim Pelavin, Alexandra (Ethan) Maltz, Tom (Stefania Beniteza) Brenner, Sam (Leanne) Brenner, William Brenner, and Jonathan Brenner. Her great-grandchildren, Sophia Sorrentino, Jackson Gothberg-Rice, Cameron Maltz, Reece Maltz, and Everly Rice, brought her immense happiness. It was Sophia who lovingly bestowed upon her the name "Grandma Great," a title that perfectly captured Lenore's warmth and unwavering love for her family.
