Delores Drypen

Delores Drypen, a longtime resident of Commerce Township, Michigan, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born in Detroit on December 28, 1951, to Harry and Jean Kuk, Delores carried a magnetic spirit and a genuine heart that drew people to her throughout her life. Her caring nature and quiet strength made her the devoted wife and best friend of her husband, Bill, and a deeply loving mother to her children. In her later years, her greatest joy came from her grandchildren, who filled her days with light and happiness.

Beyond her family, Delores dedicated many years to the Walled Lake School District as a para-professional, where she poured her heart into supporting students and the community. She also found deep purpose in her work with the John Drypen Foundation, taking particular pride in the careful process of selecting scholarship recipients to help young people pursue their dreams. She will be remembered as a woman who lived with purpose, loved without reserve, and left the world brighter for having been in it.

Delores is survived by her loving husband, William Drypen; her daughters, Shannon Matyus and Stacey (Ryan) Catignani; her grandchildren, Bela John, William, and Lili Matyus, and Max, Elle, and Jack Catignani; her siblings, Harry (Kim) Kuk and Rose (Graham) Ward; and her beloved in-laws, Gary (Deborah) Drypen, Greg (Beth) Drypen, Suzy (Kirk) Nagle, and Sharon (Roger) Pickens, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her son, John Drypen; her parents, Harry and Jean Kuk; and her in-laws, John and Lorraine Drypen.