She was preceded in death by her infant sister Shirley, brother Ralph (Rosemary) Chase, her husband Louis, her son James, and her grandson Andrew.
She will be lovingly remembered by her children Dianne O’Connell (San Francisco), Jean (Roger) Danielski (Grand Rapids), Dennis (Pam) O’Connell (Rockford), and Janet (Mike) Baremore (Grand Rapids); grandchildren Jeff Danielski (Jill Sullivan), Sarah Danielski (Matt Kushinka), Elizabeth (Marcus) Hoeksema, Nathan (Alicia) O’Connell, Eric O’Connell, Erin (Jason) Elder, Brooke Baremore, and Jacob Baremore; and ten great-grandchildren; her sister-in-law Patricia O’Connell; and several nieces and nephews.
She was the matriarch of our big, beautiful family. Her house was the place we gathered on most Sunday nights and holidays. We have a special family that loves to get together, talk, eat, play in the yard, and just enjoy one another’s company. Her smile, and her home as a place to gather, will be greatly missed.
The family would like to thank Marilyn Kryger for being a wonderful friend to our mom for the past several years. The weekly Skip-Bo games brightened her day!
We are grateful to her grandson Eric for becoming a live-in caregiver for the last month of her life. His care and devotion made it possible for her to remain in her home until she passed, which is just what she wanted!
In light of the health crisis, there will be no public service. The family will hold a private burial in Ionia, Michigan.
Those wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so at North Park Baptist Church (3365 Coit Ave. NE, 49525), or Mel Trotter Ministries (225 Commerce Ave., SW, 49503).