Lillian Wolf

Lillian Alberta Wolf (Bretzlaff), 78 of Grayling and Gaylord, Michigan passed away in Marshall, Michigan on October 3, 2022. Lillian was born in Detroit, Michigan on January 22, 1944. She was adopted by Lillian and Norman Bretzlaff.

She attended and Graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic Schools in Detroit, Michigan. After graduation she moved to Carmel of St. Teresa Monastery in Alhambra, California in Los Angeles County to become a Cloistered Carmelite Nun.

She spent three years there. Just before taking her final Vow, she returned to Detroit, Michigan for her 30-day reflection. At that time, she met a young man who she fell in love with, and chose marriage and children as her path instead of

completing her final vow. This never altered her faith, and she remained a devout Catholic throughout her life. She later continued and completed her education at Kirtland Community College in Roscommon, Michigan. Lillian married George Francis Wolf, Jr on June 29, 1966, and together they had 3 daughters, Lisa, Tracy and Colleen.

Lillian worked as a Secretary for St. Mary's Catholic Church in Grayling, Michigan for several years where she also taught Sunday school and Catechism classes. Lillian also worked for and retired from the Crawford AuSable School District in Grayling, Michigan.

After her daughter Lisa’s death in 1979, Lillian worked as an advocate with the National Reye’s Syndrome Foundation. She arranged, and worked fund raising and charity events, and traveled throughout the U.S., giving presentations, and spreading information about Reye’s Syndrome. Lillian was a girl scout leader, 4-H Leader and a youth bowling leader.

She had many hobbies including, Gardening, knitting, crocheting, crafting, Painting, Basket weaving and baking. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Lillian is survived by her husband of 56 years, George Wolf, Her daughters, Tracy Wolf of Ohio, Colleen Shepherd (Brian) of Michigan, Her brother Garrett Hardenburgh (Mavis) of Minnesota, Sisters Cindy Hardenburgh of Michigan and Renee Weingartz (Steve) of Michigan, Her sister-in-law Pamela Hardenburgh of Michigan, 8 grandchildren, Jordan Renaud (Jocilyn), Devin Wolf (Richard Hughes), Jason Renaud (Emily), Ian Hubbard (Jennifer) , Journey Renaud (Kenneth Winemaster), Keegan Shepherd, Lairyn Shepherd (Alexander France) and Ethan Shepherd, 5 Great-grandchildren Isaac, Elijah, Autumn, Jemma, Lincoln and Noah. Along with several nieces and nephews. Lillian was preceded in death by Her parents Norman and Lillian Bretzlaff, Daughter Lisa Wolf and brother David Hardenburgh.

Memorial services will be held on October 22, 2022 at St. Mary's Catholic church in Grayling at 11:00 am. The Catholic rite of Committal (Burial Service) will be at Elmwood Cemetary in Grayling at 12:00pm.

Memorial donations may be made in Lilian’s name to the ASPCA, The National Alzheimer's Association or any animal shelter.