Body of 97-Year-Old Woman Found in Open Casket in Detroit Park

In a suburban Detroit park, an open casket containing the body of a 97-year-old woman was placed for her family to say their final goodbyes before burial. The woman, Madonna Stiller, passed away in Wellsville, New York, on August 29. Her family, unable to arrange a viewing at a funeral home after transporting her body to Michigan, chose Butcher Park for this purpose. The park, known for its recreational facilities, became the site of an unusual scene that drew attention from local residents. Curiosity sparked among the community when a photo of the casket was shared on social media, leading some to speculate whether it was a Halloween prank. Police received numerous calls from concerned citizens, prompting them to clarify the situation. They explained that the funeral director had temporarily placed the casket in the park to accommodate the family’s wishes. Ken Stiller, Madonna's son, expressed that their intention was solely to honor his mother and not to create any disturbances. He emphasized that they did not anticipate the media coverage that followed. City officials noted that such arrangements in public parks should be communicated in advance to ensure proper protocols are followed. The incident highlights the delicate balance between personal mourning practices and public space regulations. While the family sought a meaningful farewell, the unexpected setting raised questions about the appropriateness of open casket viewings in parks, prompting a call for clearer guidelines in the future.