Alberta Chesser

Alberta Chesser was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. A caring nurturer, she cherished her years as a mother and was delighted with the arrival of her grandchildren. Living her life to the fullest and enjoying the company of each and every person who came her way, she leaves behind a rich legacy of accepting all people with compassion. Her warm personality, genuine friendship, and loving ways will be deeply cherished for generations to come. The 1930s were significantly impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. Banks were still closed but there was a promise of a new election year awaiting. By 1931, mobster Al Capone was locked away in Alcatraz, the Empire State Building had finished completion, and one of the greatest droughts in American history had hit the Central Plains region. During the middle of one of the toughest decades in American history, Albert and Gladys (Ryan) Hudson welcomed home the arrival of their newborn daughter, Alberta on February 9th in Indiana. Born the third of five children, her birth brought much joy to the family during tough economic times. Alberta's childhood changed abruptly when her father passed away. Her mother was busy supporting the family selling real estate and Alberta was primarily raised by her grandparents. They nurtured her and gave her every opportunity to succeed. By 1945, at the tender age of fifteen, she met the man of her dreams, Ray Chesser when she took the place of her friend on a date to the movies. As fate would have it, they hit it off and the rest was history! Alberta's mother wasn't too keen on her new love interest as Ray was four years older than her yet she succumbed to their endearment once they were engaged. Joining in marriage on March 21, 1948, Ray and Alberta settled back in Vicksburg, Michigan where Ray was working on the new Upjohn building project in the area. Eager to start a family of their own, the happy couple welcomed two wonderful sons, Kenneth and Kevin. As a mother, there wasn't anything she wouldn't do for her two young sons. She nurtured them and cared for them with every ounce of energy. As a family, they spent many summers visiting family in southern Indiana and loved to camp together. Once the boys were grown, she returned to work at Stewart Sutherland where she was happily employed for more than twenty years. Well liked by her clients and co-workers she made a life long friendship with Jan Applebey who worked there and was also her next door neighbor. Outgoing and friendly, Alberta never lacked for people to accompany her on local shopping trips or activities. When grandchildren entered her world, Alberta was over the moon! She loved to dote on each and every one of them! Being a grandmother seemed very natural to her and when she was blessed with the role of great-grandmother, she cherished the special visits from them as well as watching them grow! She and Ray were able to enjoy their many special hobbies and pastimes in their later years. They started their day with a game or two of Skip-Bo over coffee and never held a grudge! The two of them kept their deep love for one another alive and ticking well into their later years by playing cards and dice and surrounding themselves with those they loved. For many years, Ray and Alberta shared many memorable moments in their camper in Indiana where they were known to return during the summer months. Whenever they were together they often invited others over to socialize and catch up on the latest news in the family. Alberta was well known for her ability to shop and to talk. Both of these were thought of as unique gifts or special talents she held for many years. When she wasn't shopping, she was surrounded by special friends or family members in deep conversations about just about any topic! Thoughtful, caring, and kind, Alberta will undoubtedly be missed by her close friends and special family. There is no doubt that she left a lasting impression on each of her loved ones. May they fondly reflect on her special memories and lean on her wisdom during their moments of grief as well as the many years that lie ahead. Alberta Chesser, of Vicksburg, Michigan passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2019, at the age of 88. She is survived by her two sons: Kenneth (Vicky) Chesser, of Vicksburg; Kevin (Sherry) Chesser, of Vicksburg; eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and several special nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Raymond in 2014 and her four siblings: Mary Boucher, Doris Boucher, Dan VonSchriltz, and Betty Lou VonSchriltz. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, May 15th from 11-12 noon at McCowen & Secord Family Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). The funeral service will be held at 12 noon. Burial will take place at the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please visit Alberta's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can sign the guestbook and share a favorite memory. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Kairos Dwelling.