Hayla F. Joneson

Hayla Florence Joneson passed away at the age of 82 on November 5, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on March 1, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan, Hayla lived a full life filled with love, generosity, and joy. She was a devoted mother to her children, Eric (Christina) Joneson, Beth (Douglas) Paulo, and Matthew (Julie) Joneson, a cherished grandmother to her grandchildren, Alex, Elliott, Lauren, and Sofia, a loving sister to Joseph Frazier, and Lee (Kathy) Brede, and a loving companion later in life to Phil Modrak. Hayla is predeceased in death by her beloved husband, Frederick A. Joneson, as well as her parents, Joseph and Roberta Frazier (née Knapp). Hayla knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher and highly valued education. An Eastern Michigan University (B.S.) and Saginaw Valley State University (M.A.) graduate, she devoted her early career to elementary education in Utica Schools, where she met her husband, Fred, during her first year of teaching at Dresden Elementary. They instantly shared a deep bond and were married less than a year later, on July 11, 1964. Together, they built a beautiful family, and a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion. Hayla paused her teaching career to start a family. She took on the role of a mother instantly, creating a warm and loving environment for her three children to grow up in. Though Hayla was heartbroken by Fred's passing in 1997, her grandchildren and her love of teaching allowed her to continue to embrace life with her signature positivity and resilience. Her family finds solace in knowing they are reunited again. Hayla’s travels brought her joy and wonder - exploring Sweden, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Brazil, and countless other beautiful places. A lover of the outdoors, she truly enjoyed being by the beach, especially in Venice, Florida where she spent many winters during retirement with Phil. Her heart, however, was most at home during summers in Irons, Michigan, where she welcomed family and friends to enjoy nights around the firepit, grilling, and endless summer days by the creek. These gatherings created a tapestry of memories that her family will cherish forever. Hayla’s creativity was as boundless as her compassion; she poured love into the quilts she sewed, and the many items she knitted, each one a testament to her patience and artistry. Known for her gentle spirit, she was the embodiment of kindness, a grounding presence for everyone who knew her, and a friend to many. Her warmth, humor, and enduring positivity left a permanent mark on all whose lives she touched. In her memory, may we carry forward her love for life, her kindness, and her gentle optimism. She will be profoundly missed and forever cherished. Hayla’s faith was a significant part of her life. Memorial gifts can be made in Hayla’s honor supporting the Living Water Ministries Scholarship Fund (https://www.elcalivingwater.com/scholarshipfund/) 7898 W. Stony Lake Rd., New Era, MI 49446 or to the ministries at King of kings Lutheran Church 47500 Schoenherr Rd, Shelby Township, MI 48315 A visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, from 2-8pm at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Rd (3 blocks east of Van Dyke) in Utica. A funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, instate at 10am until the time of the service at 11am, at King of kings Lutheran Church, 47500 Schoenherr Rd in Shelby Twp. Please share a memory of Hayla at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com

Hayla F. Joneson

March 1, 1942 - November 5, 2024