IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Darline Anne

Darline Anne Lis-Haddon Profile Photo

Lis-Haddon

Apr 24, 1964 — Apr 22, 2026

Obituary

Darline Anne Lis-Haddon (Darline), 61 of Southfield, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord two days before her 62nd birthday on April 24, 2026. Darline was born to Walter and Zofia Lis on April 24, 1964 in Detroit, Michigan.

Beloved Wife of the late Garret M. Haddon, and Mother to Garret M. (Jennifer) Haddon II. Loving Grandmother (Babcie) to Zoe and Hannah Haddon. Youngest sister of Julianne (John) Lis-Milam, the late Walter Lis, the late Denis Lis, and the late Diana Lis. Dearest Auntie of Gloria Russell, Wally Lis, Jesse (Jovana) Lis, Sara (Robert) Lenzen, Raquel Lis, and Mark (Kristen) Milam. Dear niece of Jean (late Walter) Sadowy and the late Stella (the late Mitchell) Bahara. She is also survived by many loving great-nieces, great-nephews, Karen (Michael) Cimoli (her “second Mom”) and other cousins.

Darline, the youngest of five children, was born to Walter and Zofia Lis, who immigrated from Poland in 1950 following World War II. With a 13-year gap between Darline and her eldest sister, she grew up quickly and developed a strong sense of independence. From an early age, she was inquisitive, mechanically inclined, and known for her practical, can-do attitude—believing firmly in getting the job done and accepting life as it comes.

Darline attended Saint Andrew School from kindergarten through 12th grade. She later earned an Associate degree from Henry Ford Community College before entering the police academy on October 7, 1985. She went on to serve with distinction as a member of the Detroit Police Department for over 27 years. She began her career as a police officer, was later promoted to investigator, and remained dedicated to her work until her retirement on June 27, 2013.

Her time on the force was more than a career—it was a calling. Policing demanded strength, resilience, and courage, and Darline faced the challenges of the job during difficult and often harsh times with unwavering determination. She approached her duties with a deep sense of responsibility, understanding the weight of serving and protecting her community. The work required long hours, emotional endurance, and the ability to make tough decisions, yet she met these demands with the same steady, can-do attitude that defined her life.

The Detroit Police Department became a second family to Darline. Through the shared experiences and challenges of the job, she formed lasting friendships and strong bonds with her fellow officers. These relationships were a source of pride and support throughout her career.

Above all, Darline’s service brought her a profound sense of purpose. She was deeply committed to her community and took pride in knowing her work made a difference in the lives of others. Her years on the force stand as a testament to her dedication, strength, and enduring commitment to public service.

In her later years, Darline resided in Southfield, Michigan, where she spent the last seven years of her life. Her home was situated on over an acre of grassy land bordered by a wooded area, with the River Rouge flowing behind it. She found great joy in nature, often watching wildlife from her window—spotting deer, fawns, foxes, birds, and even an occasional sandhill crane, which especially delighted her. An outdoor enthusiast, she loved hiking, walking along the river, caring for her yard, and riding her lawn mower. Even simple moments, like picking up sticks or walking her dog, brought her happiness.

Darline was a devoted animal lover, especially to her two dogs, whom she treated as her babies. She took them on walks and car rides and often shared her meals with them.

She had a passion for travel and exploration, frequently taking sightseeing trips with friends around the State of Michigan and throughout the metro area. One of her favorite destinations was visiting her Aunt Jean Sadowy’s farm near Sandusky, Michigan, where she cherished attending family reunions. She also enjoyed taking car rides with her cousins to sightsee across Michigan, often turning those outings into opportunities to explore different restaurants and try a variety of cultural foods. A bit of a foodie, Darline delighted in sharing these experiences with her cousins and friends.

Deeply proud of her Polish heritage, Darline was actively involved in cultural traditions. She was honored as a Polish debutante and named a “Queen of Pearls” through the Polish Women’s Alliance prior to entering the police academy. In recent years, she participated in the Southfield senior citizen genealogy program, where she explored and celebrated her ancestry. She took great pride in sharing her Polish culture and language with her son, as well as with her nieces and nephews.

Darline deeply loved her grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and their spouses and children. Bragging and sharing pictures with anyone who would listen or look was a favorite pastime, warmed her heart. She also valued her friendships and enjoyed spending time with others. She attended weekly bowling outings with her cousin and friends—not for the sport itself, but for the companionship and connection they brought her.

She also enjoyed working on puzzles, often keeping one in progress in her family room, embracing the challenge and satisfaction they provided. Darline hummed, sang out loud, danced and even was very animated at times when she heard her home town Motown music.

Darline will be remembered for her strength, independence, love of nature and animals, and her deep connection to family, heritage, and community.


Memorial Visitation Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 5 to 8 PM (Rosary at 7:45 PM) at Stanley Turowski Funeral Home, 25509 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights.

Friday, May 29, 2026, at Word in Action Christian Center International, 19760 Meyers Rd, Detroit, MI 48235, Memorial Visitation 10:30-11:00 AM; Memorial Service from 11 AM to 12:00 PM; Burial at St Hedwig Cemetery (Section 7-A - Lot 52 - Grave 4) at 1:30 PM

Memorial donations in the name of Darline Lis-Haddon can be made to:

The Detroit Public Safety Foundation. Checks can be mailed to: Detroit Public Safety Foundation, 1301 Third Street, Suite 547, Detroit, MI 48226. Please include “FAMLE In memory of Officer Lis-Haddon” in the memo line. Online donations can be made at Detroit Public Safety Foundation. When donating online, please select “FAMLE Unit” from the dropdown menu and note that the gift is in memory of Officer Lis-Haddon in the comments section. FAMLE supports families of fallen Detroit police officers and also officers who are critically injured or disabled in the line of duty

Also, memorial donations can be made to the Lung Cancer Research Foundation in memory of Darline Lis-Haddon.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

Funeral Services

Memorial Visitation

May
28

5:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

Rosary

May
28

Starts at 7:45 pm (Eastern time)

Memorial Visitation

May
29

Word in Action Christian Center International

19760 Meyers Rd., Detroit, MI 48235

10:30 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Memorial Service

May
29

Word in Action Christian Center International

19760 Meyers Rd., Detroit, MI 48235

11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)

Burial

May
29

Starts at 1:30 pm (Eastern time)

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