Louise M. Schlief (Fokens) of Arcadia, Michigan, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2022.

Louise was born to Jon and Lucille Fokens on January 23, 1937 in Detroit, MI. She graduated from East Detroit High School in 1955, the class Valedictorian. Louise received her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University and had a long teaching career with East Detroit Public Schools. She truly cared for each child she taught and was dedicated to their individual success. She kept in contact with many former students long into her retirement.

Louise married Charles E. Schlief in 1961. Together they had three daughters, Kristin, Katy, and Karyn. They retired to their summer home in Arcadia, MI in 1993 enjoying all that beautiful Northern Michigan has to offer and many close friendships. Louise loved her walks on the Lake Michigan beach picking up any trash she could find along the way. She kept herself busy with many clubs and volunteer opportunities including United Methodist Women, Herring Hill and Dale, Arcadia Garden Club, Arcadia Women's Club, Arcadia Book Club (she loved the themed luncheons that were tied to the book setting), the Arcadia Historical Museum, the Lion's Club and the Pleasant Valley Community Center.

We were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from little "Louie" or "Lou" during her nearly 85 years, among them: Never throw away tissue paper, it can be ironed and used again. Aluminum foil can be washed and used over and over. Let a dog/cat (or two) share your bed; they are loyal friends for life. Live by The Golden Rule; you never know what someone may be going through. Many times we'd be behind a slow driver and she would say "they may have just dropped their spouse at the hospital…be kind." If you didn't know who Harriet Quimby was, you were going to learn about the true first lady of flight. Lou loved a handwritten thank you note, a matching jewelry set, pansies, euchre, trivia, The Price is Right, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, a good Hallmark movie, and would do a crossword puzzle daily until she no longer could. She loved all living things, especially birds with names that would make children giggle, like the white-breasted tufted titmouse. She always helped those who struggled and gave so much to many. Lou always made sure you were not thirsty or hungry. Above all, Louise cared for all and was our family rock. Her special way to find or say just the right thing to make your world better is severely missed.

Louise is survived by her daughters Katy (Jim) Master and Karyn (Bob) Hertel, son-in-law John Quigley, grandchildren Karly (Mark) Russell, Jay Master, Madison and Natalie Hertel, great-grandchildren John and Charlie Russell, brother Jan (Charlotte) Fokens, and nephews Jason and Ryan Fokens. She was preceded in death by her parents, dear step-father Archie Scott, husband Charles Schlief, daughter Kristin Schlief-Quigley, many dear cousins, aunts and uncles, and her beloved pets Kieshka and Purrogi. Louise will be terribly missed by all who knew and loved her. "Every little breeze seems to whisper Louise."- Maurice Chevalier

A celebration of life will be held in late spring in Arcadia, MI.

The family would like to thank the Sheldon Meadows Assisted Living Center (Hudsonville, MI) staff for their kind and compassionate care and Spectrum Health Hospice for their dedicated service throughout her battle with Alzheimer's.

Memorial wall comments can be shared at https://services.simplycremationservice.com/-listing. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Homeward Bound Animal Shelter of Manistee, MI, Pleasant Valley Community Center of Arcadia, or Traverse City Area Public Schools Student Support Network. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of Louise Schlief January 23, 1937 - January 17, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book