Obituaries

Jo Ann (Smith) Tiefenbach, age 82, of Drummond Island, Michigan, died on October 28, 2025, at McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital in Petoskey, Michigan. She was born on January 25, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan, to Max and Madge (Beard) Smith.

Jo graduated from Cooley High School with the Class of 1961. Not long after, she married Leonard Alvin “Buddy” Tiefenbach, on January 26, 1962. Together they made their home in Livonia, Michigan, where they started their family and built a life full of love and laughter. In 1974, Jo and Buddy moved to Drummond Island, a place that quickly became home. There, Jo owned and operated her own hair salon for many years and built lasting friendships with her clients and neighbors.

Jo was active in her community and served on many local committees over the years. She had a love for life that showed in everything she did, whether she was bowling, crafting, or spending time outdoors gardening, hunting, fishing, or snowmobiling. She was happiest surrounded by family, friends, and the beauty of the island she called home.

Jo Ann lived a life full of love, laughter, and purpose, a life well lived and deeply treasured by all who knew her. When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.

Jo is survived by her sons, Keith (Donna) Tiefenbach and Scott Tiefenbach, both of Drummond Island; daughter, Windy Tiefenbach of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; grandchildren, Jessica Tiefenbach, Ashly (Andrew) Dorman, Amber (Conor) Egan, Brooke Tiefenbach, Matthew Tiefenbach, Pearl Tiefenbach, Nathan Tiefenbach, Christopher Crawley, Caleb Ross, Makayla Tiefenbach; great-grandchildren, William Whitcher, Madilin Morris-Page, Oskar Tiefenbach, Adison Dorman, Aleah Dorman, Anden Dorman, Brecken Egan, Keely Egan, Padraig Egan, Keirnan Egan, Rylee Tiefenbach, Lillian Tiefenbach, Katheryn Crawley, Addison Crawley, Mya Crawley and Emmet, Braxley and Wrenly.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband Leonard; parents, Max and Madge Smith; and sister, Maryland.

A Celebration of Life and luncheon will be held at the Drummond Island Township Hall, 29935 E Pine St, Drummond, MI 49726, with the date and time to be announced soon.

Family Life Funeral Homes – Pickford assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.