She was strong and gritty. Born the twelfth of fourteen children in the Upper Peninsula, she dedicated herself to studies, supporting herself through college and earning the first bachelor's degree of her family. She ran a moving business out of the family playroom, taught night classes, and was a full-time mother to three small children. And yet she always wanted to do more.

 

She was gentle. She loved children, and they adored her. Her deepest joy came from time spent with family, especially her seven grandchildren, each of whom shared a special bond with her. She traveled relentlessly to be a part of their regular lives, despite thousands of miles of distance.

 

She was generous. She gave her time, treasure, and talent wherever she saw a need. She had deep compassion for any person she saw struggling physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually, intuiting the suffering of others, even when it was not overt. Her sense of hospitality left so many feeling like they were family in her home.

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Her faith was her compass, guiding her through both sunshine and storm. It taught her how to love without holding back, how to forgive without keeping score, and how to find light even in the darkest valleys.