Ann Louis Welihan

Ann Louis Welihan, 79, of St. Joseph, Michigan passed on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 after a short illness. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 A.M. Saturday, October 25, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., St. Joseph. Burial will follow at Hickory Bluff Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, October 24, 2014 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with a prayer service recited at 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. Memorials may be made to Birthright and Lake Michigan Catholic Schools. Those wishing to sign Ann’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ann was born to Bernard “Bud” and Lena (Kauffman) Louis on December 18, 1934 in Jackson, MI. She married Michael T. Welihan on August 18, 1956 at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church in Jackson, MI. She graduated from Marygrove College in 1956 with a degree in Elementary Education and spent her 25 year career teaching at both Queen of the Miraculous Medal School and Lake Michigan Catholic Elementary School in St. Joseph. Ann was a strong believer in Catholic education, the local Catholic Church, and Birthright. She enjoyed her time with her “church ladies” having coffee and sharing fellowship. She also enjoyed reading, completing crosswords, golfing and bowling. Ann is survived by her daughter Patricia Bowser of St. Joseph; two sons Terry (Shannon) Welihan of Hunt Valley, MD and Michael (Diane) Welihan of South Bend, IN; and nine grandchildren: Brendan Bowser, Shane (Theresa) Bowser, Taylor Bowser, Megan Welihan, Stephanie Welihan, Chase Lovell, Rachel Lovell, Brice Elder, and Benjamin Welihan. She is also survived by her two brothers Herbert Louis of Jackson, MI and Robert Louis of Jackson, MI. Ann is preceded in death by her parents and husband of 52 years, Michael.