Rosemary G. Appelgren

ROSEMARY G. APPELGREN of Kalamazoo and South Haven, passed away peacefully and naturally Christmas morning at Rose Arbor Hospice, at the age of 92. Born in Pontiac, Michigan she graduated from Central High School in 1948 and immediately got a job offer at Upjohn working as a secretary for Bill Donaldson. She later married John the love and fun of her life in 1951. They were married for 56 years before he passed in 2007. Four years later she left Upjohn to start a family. John and Rosi would have their first daughter Nancy born in South Haven, second daughter Jill, born in Grand Rapids and after a move from Grand Haven to Kazoo their third daughter Lisa was born. Rosi had a childhood friendship for 71 years with Elaine (Sweetland) Kooi of the Kooi-Knapper family. Her mom and dad had a furniture studio on Academy and shared friendly competition with Jim Stuart of Stuart & Clark. Later they would purchase a second home in South Haven on the lake where the family spent many memorable summers and fun times. Rosi was the last to survive of the Glendenning girls as they were known - sisters, Betty Lou Smoke, Barbara Froom and Nancy Cone. Five grandchildren Andrew, Stephanie, Sarah, Josh and Raja. 5 great-grandkids Evie, Andie, Isaac, Beckett and Faith. Rosi's past 16 years were spent at Hope Woods because of lost sight in one eye. This place became her legacy. Hope Woods provided her a connection and friendship that gave her life, purpose and kept her very active. She is grateful for the wonderful Bible Study at Hope Woods. She was a member of the First Church of Christ Science which became her lifelong family of Faith! One cannot talk about Rosi without talking about John. Known for their entertaining charm they pursued a fun active life together. She was known to speak her piece and he was known to ignore her! They danced with the rich and put their arms around the poor. A generous couple who focused on what was important people not things LIVING not dying! A family Celebration of life gathered with dinner, service, and movie of Rosi's life Always remembered!

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Rosemary’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Appelgren family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 129 South Grand Street, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. 269-679-5622.