Menda A. Eastman

Menda Eastman, age 74, passed on June 18, 2017, after a lengthy illness. She was born on November 27, 1942, in South Dakota to Dr. Leonard R. Clifford and Dr. Lois Louise Michael. She grew up in Flint with her beloved sister Valrey and brother Kurt.

Menda earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan Flint campus. She valued education and encouraged her children and grandchildren to earn college degrees, saying, "Once you have earned that degree, you'll always have it and it will help you achieve independence." With her degree, she helped shelter and care for the homeless, less fortunate, the abused and most vulnerable of our society. She worked as a social worker for the Economic Crisis Center and later the State of Michigan in child protective services, medicaid applications, and foster care. Early in her career, she served as on the Detriot Police Department.

This special lady will be remembered for so many things from her attitude, practical sense about saving money, teaching her children to work hard, be good to others and be independent. Mom loved her swimming pool, her flower gardens, her home, shopping and visits with her children and grandchildren. Her children will miss her German dumplings, chicken potpie, cheese cake and all the holidays where she loved to decorate her home inside and out!

Menda is survived by her children Scott (Rita) Eastman, Melissa (Peter) Sherry, Jennifer (Trent) Schwind, and Molly (Chico Garza) Eastman. Also left behind to cherish her memory are grandchildren Ryan Eastman, Tyler Eastman, Emily Sherry, Tabitha Garza, her brothers Kurt Clifford, Kevin Clifford and nephews Mike, Steve, Daniel and Matthew. Menda was proceeded in death by her sister Valrey, Aunt Alma, and her parents. We are certain her sister was there to greet her as she entered into heaven.

Her family would like to thank Dr. John Armstrong and Dr. O'Bryant for their expert care and compassion through the struggles of her illness. We also wish to thank all of the Sparrow Hospital staff who cared for her over the many years and Heartland Hospice who supported her family when her journey came to an end. A special thanks to Father Bill Lugger who came to visit her 30 minutes before her passing and asked for the gates of heaven to open for her. We are certain that she accepted that offer and she is enjoying time with her sister, Gram and the rest of her family.

Funeral Services will be held at St. Casimir Church, 815 Sparrow Avenue, Lansing 48910, on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 11:00 am. Family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be sent to Sparrow Foundation, 1215 E Michigan Ave., Lansing MI 48909 for the Respiratory Fund or Heartland Hospice, 865 S Cedar Street, Mason MI 48854.