Jean Marie (Smithbauer Eiden) Thiel

Thiel, Jean

South Lyon, MI

Her Legacy…

Jean Marie Thiel, age 83, passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 9, 1942, in Barnesboro, Pennsylvania, to Clarence and Veronica (Smith) Smithbauer.

Jean’s family moved to Detroit when she was in grade school, and she graduated from St. Theresa’s High School in 1960. On October 9, 1965, she married Robert Eiden, and together they raised five children in Milford. Years later, on May 10, 1997, Jean married Robert Thiel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. They lived a very active and happy life together in South Lyon.

Jean began her career as a secretary at Detroit Edison and worked various jobs while raising her family, eventually retiring from Huron Valley Schools. She was a devoted, selfless, and hardworking mother who always put others before herself. She did whatever it took to take care of her family regardless of her circumstances. She always looked for the good in others and stayed true to her convictions; values she passed on to us. She showed us to appreciate the simple things in life and to focus on what was truly important. Her bright, friendly and warm smile touched the lives of so many.

Jean lived an active life and had a deep love for nature and the water. She especially cherished summertime—enjoying the lake, swimming, and picking berries. She loved her family dearly and looked forward each year to the annual family reunions on Thompson Lake in Howell. Her interests included ice skating, tennis, yoga, traveling, and playing the piano, which she largely taught herself and spoke of with humble modesty. She could often be found singing or humming a favorite tune. Those pure, gentle sounds will forever resonate in our hearts.

Jean had an unwavering devotion to the Lord and a strong prayer life. She was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Brighton. Her servant’s heart was evident in her dedication to her family, her church, and her community. She was deeply involved in Al-Anon, as well as NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), a cause that became especially meaningful to her through her youngest son John’s mental illness. Jean's kindness, faith, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Her Family…

Jean will be greatly missed by her husband, Robert Thiel.

Children, Timothy Eiden, Thomas (Kristi) Eiden, Dan (Carrie) Eiden, John Eiden and Anna Fraser.

Grandchildren, Katie (Jacob), Chelsie, Jack, Olivia (Nate), Carter (Eva), Chloe, Lauren, Rachel and Audrey; Great-grandchild, Cooper.

Siblings, Joanne Rankin, Earl (Bonnie) Smithbauer and Patrick (Karen) Smithbauer. She is preceded in death by her brother, Donald; and sisters, Kathleen and Deborah.

Her Step-Family…

Step-children, Robert (Joyce) Thiel, Thomas Thiel, James Thiel and Ronald Thiel.

Step-grandchildren, Michael (Becky), Brian, David, Emma and Jake.

Great step-grandchildren, Katherine, Joshua and Simon.

Her Farewell…

Jean’s Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00AM (10:00AM gathering), at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Brighton, Michigan.

Fr. Jonathan Perrotta will serve as celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Capuchin Soup Kitchen. Please leave a message of comfort for Jean’s family at 1-877-231-7900, or sign her guestbook at www.borekjennings.com.