Rose Niswander

Rose Marie Niswander, our loving mother, passed away July 3, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer with her family close by.

Rose Marie Hodgson was born March 21, 1929, in Saginaw to William and Bertha Marie (Wahl) Hodgson.

She married Melvin Niswander Jr. August 4, 1956, and he preceded her in passing March 21, 1999.

Survived by her children, Noreen (Gus) Russell of Eugene, Ore., Cindy (John) Clark of Gaylord, William (Tamara) Niswander, Jo Niswander, Joseph (Lorraine) Niswander all of Charlevoix; grandchildren, Daniel (Anna) Tomaski, Ryan (Erin) Tomaski, Tyler (Kendra) Clark, Bill Niswander, Kayla Schneider, Shane Dagner, Stacey (Dereck) Duwe, Brittany (Andrew) Zakerski, Logan Niswander; several great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary J. Goodrich of Freeland, Marion Pippert of Birch Run; brother, John W. (Patricia) Hodgson of Saginaw; several nieces and nephews.

Known to her family and friends as Marie she was a giving and fun loving person loved by all. She loved camping, reading and music - especially The Beatles. She was always ready to volunteer and did so in many ways including the scouting programs in the 60's in Charlevoix and East Jordan with her husband Mel, and most recently in many projects at Pine River Place where she moved after Mel passed. She especially loved decorating for the holidays and talked Pine River Place into keeping the Christmas tree in the lobby for an entire year, decorating for each months big holiday.

She received the 'Service in Self' award from the Charlevoix Rotary Club and a plaque for 'Outstanding Service and Devotion' from the City of Charlevoix Housing commission for her service on the HUD board from 1999 - 2010.

At her request, Rose's family will hold a private celebration of her life at a later date.