Deanna Joan (Reece) Niazy

Deanna Joan Niazy
(née Reece)
December 15, 1938 – May 14, 2026

On May 14, 2026, Deanna Joan Niazy, affectionately known as “Dee,” passed peacefully in Clarkston, Michigan, at the age of eighty-seven, surrounded by her loving family.  Beloved wife of R. Richard for nearly 69 years; devoted mother of the late Suzanne Niazy, Kathryn (the late Gregory) Nichols, and Krista Niazy; adoring grandmother of Amanda (Chris) Hess, Andrea Nichols, Allison Panek, and Nicholas (Taylor) Niazy; and treasured great-grandmother of Theo and Charlotte Hess, and Nyle Niazy. 

Born on December 15, 1938, Dee was the youngest (and last surviving) of nine children born to Arthur and Effie Reece. She was raised in Warren, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, Dick Niazy. Together they graduated from Fitzgerald High School in 1956, married on August 3, 1957, and then shared a lifetime marked by deep devotion, steadfast partnership, and shared adventures.

Dee had a curious and creative mind. She expressed her talents in painting, jewelry making and pottery, knitting and sewing, journaling and collage, poetry and handmade cards. Dee had a remarkable ability to see possibilities in overlooked things, often transforming ordinary materials into meaningful works of art.

Dee’s generous spirit was evident in the ways she freely shared her possessions, time, and love with others. It was common for her to spontaneously give away a piece of jewelry or an article of clothing she was wearing, if someone admired it. She was a deeply faithful Christian, and she lived out her faith through decades of service to her church. Dee volunteered in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School programs where she brought imagination, warmth, and joy to the families she served. Whether decorating classrooms, organizing activities, transforming church sanctuaries, or offering kindness and encouragement, Dee modeled leadership with humility in its purest form. Also, Dee and Dick founded and faithfully supported Fox Lake Farms Christian Day Camp, offering local churches a Christ-centered place for connection, community, and spiritual renewal.

Above all, Dee was deeply devoted to her family. She created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love. She found fulfillment in supporting her husband, nurturing her daughters, and celebrating the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her presence was steady, her compassion genuine, and her influence enduring. Though she will be deeply missed, Dee’s love and legacy will continue through the many lives she touched with her kindness, faith, and generosity.

A celebration of Dee’s life and an opportunity for family and friends to gather in remembrance will take place on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at 11 am @ Grace Chapel, located at 2515 N. Williams Lake Rd, Waterford, MI 48327. Flowers can be delivered to the church the morning of her service after 9 AM.

Arrangements entrusted to COATS FUNERAL HOME - WATERFORD. To post a tribute, visit www.CoatsFuneralHome.com.