Helen Basch

Helen Elsie Basch of Coldwater, MI passed away peacefully on January 4,2011 at the age of 96 surrounded by her family. A loving mother, wife, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and friend, she will be remembered by all who knew her as always being joyously young-at-heart, full of wit and humor, and never at a loss for words. During her final days she received pastoral blessings and family members came together across the miles to remind her of their favorite memories with her and celebrate her wonderful life.

Throughout her life Helen's strong sense of family and love for children was felt well beyond the circle of her own. For 10 years she was a volunteer foster grandmother with the Coldwater Foster Grandparent Program where she enjoyed making a difference in the lives of special needs children. She was also a member of Coldwater's United Methodist Church. She is survived by four children: Joan (John) Rohloff of Coldwater, MI, Jerry (Ruth) Basch of Bellaire, MI, Jim (Alyca) Basch of Bellaire, MI, and Bonnie (Tim) Carmichael of Sturgis, MI; 13 grandchildren: Debbie (Tod), Sherry (Doug), Scott (Teresa), Michelle, Darren (Katie), Casey, Jason, Nichole, Katy (Dan), Beth (Phil), Ben, John (Jill), and Dan (Holly); 17 great-grandchildren: Trevor, Alyssa, Natalee, Alex, Nathan, Madalyn, Josh, Lyndsey, Katie, Abby, Liddie, Emma, Jack, Daniel, Elizabeth, Hunter, and Casey; and one great-great grandchild, Carter.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Harvey Marvin Basch, her parents, one brother, two sisters, and one precious great-granddaughter, Rosemary Carmichael.

At Helen's request, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held Sat. May 7, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Alba United Methodist Church, Alba, MI with Pastor Todd Shafer officiating. Interment will follow in Star Twp. Cemetery, Alba.