Thomas E. Zaremba

Thomas E. Zaremba, 78, of Ann Arbor, passed away peacefully Thursday, July 17, 2025, at his home.
Tom was born May 6, 1947, in Center Line to the late Edmund and Ethel (Barry) Zaremba. He was a 1965 graduate from Center Line High School and graduated from the Mortuary Science Program at Wayne State University in 1972. He then returned to his Alma Mater to teach Restorative Arts from 1974 until his retirement in 2005.
At Wayne State University, Tom is described as being an iconic figure in the Mortuary Science Program. His intelligence, wit, attention to detail, and exceptional skills as a restorative artist earned him the respect and admiration of his students. He will be greatly missed, but his legacy will live on through the students and colleagues he impacted. In everything Tom did, he strived for excellence. His meticulous preparation and attention to detail ensured his success.
He was very active with Area Agency on Aging, making numerous trips to Lansing to meet with legislators and advocate for seniors. He was also a long-time member of the Michigan Funeral Directors Association.
Tom's stories were unforgettable, not just about his years at school but also about his travels around the world, meeting presidents, heads of state, and royalty. He had the photos to go along with the stories. One remarkable aspect of Tom was his constant pursuit of knowledge, which he generously shared with others. Every conversation with him was an opportunity to learn something new. Tom also had an uncanny ability to read people, understand their motivations, and discover what interested them.
Tom is survived by nieces, Renee (Joe) Youngs of Highland, Jill (Jeffrey) Hennig of Lake Leelanau, nephew, Patrick (Jessica) of Ortonville, many cousins, and his close friend, Michael Soszynski. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Patrick Zaremba and Alice Bean.
Cremation has taken place. Burial will be in Saint Felix Cemetery in Pinnebog, with his parents at a later date.