Sallie Honell

Sallie Honell

February 26, 1934 – December 14, 2024

Sallie Honell, age 90, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on February 26, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sallie was adopted as an infant by her loving parents, Thomas and Erna (Smith) Paxson. She lived a full and vibrant life dedicated to her family, friends, and community.

A devoted educator, Sallie earned her Master’s degree in Education from Western Michigan University and spent 39 years inspiring young minds as an elementary school teacher in Schoolcraft, Michigan. Her passion for teaching and nurturing children left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues.

At the age of 80, Sallie experienced the surprise of a lifetime when she discovered three siblings, a reunion that brought her immense joy and deepened her appreciation for family. She is survived by her siblings Linda (Nelson) Kirkland, Brooks (Carol) Madsen, and Karen (Dave) Schlaack, all of whom she cherished dearly.

Sallie was a founding member of Alpha Delta Kappa and a longtime member of the Portage Women’s Club, where she built treasured friendships and shared countless special memories with an extraordinary group of women. She especially loved going to lunch with her friends, including her high school reunion gals, who remained a meaningful part of her life.

Sallie married the love of her life, Carl Honell, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished memories through long road trips, mornings spent enjoying coffee and donuts, and laughter-filled moments with family and friends.

She was a loving mother to Thomas Honell (Joseph), Amy (Norman) Tanner, and Timothy Honell. Sallie was also a proud grandmother to Jamie Forward (Samantha), Julie (Kelly) Forward, and she adored her great-grandchildren, Arya, Paxson, and Carlinn. She treasured her role as the matriarch and was delighted in spending time with her family.

Sallie had a passion for reading, attending plays, and cheering on her favorite hockey team as a lifelong Kalamazoo Wings season ticket holder. She loved gardening, baking, making homemade chocolates, and creating ceramics. She also enjoyed latch "hooking" and spending peaceful days at the family cabin in Traverse City. An avid Detroit Tigers fan, Sallie was a spirited supporter of her grandchildren's sports events, always cheering them on with pride.

A devoted animal lover, Sallie cared deeply for all creatures, a passion reflected in her cherished relationship with her beloved cat, Jojo, who was her constant companion in her later years.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl Honell, her parents, Thomas and Erna Paxson, her infant daughter, Julie Honell, and other dear family members who welcomed her with open arms.

Sallie’s kind heart, vibrant spirit, and unwavering love for her family, friends, and animals will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She was cremated at Avink Funeral Home, and a memorial service will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sallie’s memory may be made to the ASPCA, honoring her lifelong love of animals. Following her wishes, cremation has taken place.  A private internment is scheduled and a public celebration of life is being planned for the spring.

The Honell family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 129 S Grand St, Schoolcraft, MI 49087, 269-679-5622. 

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Sallie's guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family.