Obituary of June Claire Neph

June Claire DeWaelsche was born on November 25, 1943.  She was one of six children from the union of Adolph and Marguerite (Kostka) DeWaelsche.  Her educational journey began at Mount Nazareth Academy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she laid the foundation for a career dedicated to nurturing minds and souls alike. After high school graduation and because her life's vision exemplified dedication and religious service to others, she immediately answered her divine calling serving her God as a nun.

She started out as a Catholic elementary school teacher in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and this passion led her to Erie, Pennsylvania, before finding her way to Michigan. Upon her relocation to Michigan, June made a significant transition, choosing to leave the order of sisters and embrace a new role as a layperson at Gabriel Richard Catholic High School in Riverview. It was here that she assumed the position of head of the math department, influencing students and colleagues with her dedication and wisdom.

Continually driven by a thirst for knowledge and personal growth, June pursued a master's degree in counseling and guidance from Siena Heights University, further enriching her ability to support others.

On August 13, 1998, June married Eugene P. Neph at St. Valentine Church, in Redford, Michigan. They remained married until his passing in 2008.

Beyond the classroom, June's heart for helping others shone brightly as she obtained a certificate in chaplaincy. For twelve years, she served as a source of comfort and strength as a hospital chaplain at Saint Mary Hospital in Livonia, touching the lives of many patients, their families, and staff members.

June C. Neph, age 80, of Monroe, passed away on Friday March 29, 2024, at 1:00pm. Her passing was preceded by her parents a sister: Janet B. DiBiase; a stepson: Bill. To cherish her memory, she leaves two sisters: Kay M. (Jim) McKinnon and Karen T. (Fred) Gamber and two brothers: Leonard J. DeWaelsche and Donald R. (Darlene) DeWaelsche; three nieces: Karen, Kris, and Lorie; two nephews: Kevin and Daniel “Danny” and twostep children: Julia and Paula.

She will lie in state Tuesday April 2, 2024, from 10:00am to 11:00am at Saint Michael the Archangel Catholic Church; 502 West Front Street, Monroe, Michigan 48161.  Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 11:00am. Her care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation will follow through the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan. Inurnment, to be placed with her husband, Gene, will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan at a later date.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.