This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: WHL44 Surnames: AUSTIN, SINCLAIR, BYRD, TIMMERMANS, BRONKEMA Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kalamazoo/22405/mb.ashx Message Board Post: AUSTIN, Dorothy Leona "Lou" Of Schoolcraft Loena went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 25, 2008. She was born on December 24, 1919, the daughter of Alice (Sinclair) and Goston Byrd. She graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School in 1938 and went on to serve her country as a WAVE during WW II. She was an active member of Simpson United Methodist Church. Lou was married to her childhood sweetheart, Arthur Austin on August 29, 1941. They enjoyed 51 years of marriage. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a sister, Ruth and a brother, Robert. Surviving are her four children and their spouses, Dr. Richard (Eileen) Austin, Barbara (Hisko) Timmermans, James (Pam) Austin, Mary (Gary) Bronkema; 21 grandchildren; four and a half great-grandchildren and many special nieces, nephews and friends. Lou was an avid reader and very artistically talented. She loved to make and share her handiwork with others. Lou loved life and she always saw the good in others. She was always there with a kind word or deed.! We will miss her positive spirit and for those whose lives she touched. She will always be remembered. Her greatest joy was her family, creating and sharing wonderful memories with her children and grandchildren. At her request, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place. Donations may be made to: South County Community Services or Hospice of SW Michigan. "I'm Free" Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back & left it all. I could not stay another day To laugh, to love, to work, or play. Tasks left undone must stay that way; I found that place at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow, I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don't lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, He set me free. Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 2/28/2008. (Posted by a VOLUNTEER-NO family connection) Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.