Obituary of Andrea Margaret Piegza

March 24, 1952 – April 27, 2021

Andrea M. Piegza.  Age 69 of Southgate.

Beloved wife of Mark Piegza.  Loving mother of Heather Piegza (Michael Mattis) and Steven (Kari) Piegza.  Dearest grandmother of Alexis, Savannah and Haley.  Dear sister of Sally (Michael) McLellan.  Sister-in-law of James Piegza and David Piegza.

Life Story

Andrea Margaret Holley was born on March 24, 1952, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Sylvia and Harvey Holley. Raised in Allen Park with her sister, Sally they were a close-knit family. 

Andrea graduated from Allen Park High School in 1970 and later from Eastern Michigan University in 1974 with a degree in (Elementary) Education. After substitute teaching for only a few months, she was offered a job at Parsons Elementary School in Gibraltar, Michigan, in early 1975. Later in her career, she earned a Master's in Education from Marygrove College. Andrea was involved with the Downriver Science Fair for years, representing Gibraltar. One of the rewards for her volunteerism was a trip to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama. When she retired in 2016, she had taught for over 42 years with the Gibraltar School District reaching over 1,000 fifth-grade students. 

Andrea met Mark Piegza in 1970, introduced by mutual friends. Their first date was a concert at Hill Auditorium at the University of Michigan - the band Sha Na Na opened for Ten Wheel Drive. They left a little early because the main act was “too loud.” They married on July 5, 1975, at Glenwood United Methodist Church in Wyandotte. The following summer, they drove from Michigan to California on an extended honeymoon, camping at the Grand Canyon and visiting Zion National Park and Disneyland. In 1979, they purchased their home in Southgate, MI. 

Heather was born in August of 1980 and Steven in April of 1983. As a teacher with her summers open, Andrea was able to take her kids to the parks and campgrounds, the libraries, and museums. She instilled her love of nature and art in her kids, but perhaps her greatest lesson was teaching them to be kind. 

She loved being outdoors and visiting the Huron Clinton Metroparks. She attended several outdoor education courses over the years, including the Michigan DNR Teachers Education School in Higgins Lake and the American Wilderness Leadership School in Jackson, Wyoming. She could identify most trees and pretty much any bird, often from their calls alone. She could spot deer and red-tailed hawks from a distance. She could watch the goldfinches on her feeders for hours, punctuated with visits from hummingbirds. 

She was an accomplished artist, winning several prizes in art shows, often with her watercolor nature scenes. She loved folksy music and singers like James Taylor and Simon and Garfunkel, but her favorite singer was John Denver. 

She battled - and beat - breast cancer with grace and strength. She was a fierce, steadfast friend. She was a loving mother and a doting grandmother to Alexis, Savannah, and Haley. 

She loved Mark with her entire being. 

Andrea died peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. 

In accordance with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Orders - The Molnar Funeral Homes is following and observing the 25 person cap on funeral attendance at one time. We are also practicing social distancing and masks are required for every person entering the building. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe.