ELEANOR IRENE SUMERIX

Eleanor Irene Sumerix, a beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, peacefully passed away on July 7, 2023, at the age of 86. Eleanor, born on May 31, 1937, in Hillman, Michigan, leaves behind a remarkable legacy of love, devotion, and strength.

Daughter to Guy Allison Badgero and Emma Marie Badgero (Bahrke), Eleanor was raised with a strong sense of family, community, and hard work ethic. Eleanor’s life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to her family. She was a dedicated farmer’s wife to her late husband, Bert Sumerix, who passed away in 2020. Together they built a farm, an implement dealership, and raised three children who were the center of their world. Their life was filled with love, travels, and countless cherished memories.

In 1977, Eleanor opened Countryside Real Estate, in Lachine. She was a successful real estate agent, but most importantly, she worked endless hours to selflessly care for her husband, children, grandchildren, and anyone else who walked through the door. She touched the lives of many with her compassionate and genuine spirit.

Eleanor and Bert were blessed with three children, Connie (Joseph) Cook, Larry (Kelley Smith) Sumerix, Ivan (Barbara) Sumerix; nine grandchildren, Bill (Melissa) Cook, Kristy (Dr. Pallav) Halani, Lisa (Eric) Grabijas, Amanda (Jeff) Hattis, Ashley Sumerix, Ashley (Kyle) Hanson, Brooke (Justin) Gildner, Cody Sumerix and Paige Sumerix; 11 great-grandchildren, Aaron, Skylar, Mason and Spencer Cook, Hanna and Harrison Halani, Thomas and Alexander Hattis, Levi and Myles Hanson, and Charlotte Gildner; two sisters, Janice Brown, Sheryl Talley, seven sisters-in-law, Dolores Sumerix, Edith McGirr, Christine Schultz, Joanne (Gordon) Truman, Mable Anderson, Diane (Richard) Szymanski, DeLynn (Chuck) Timm; three brothers-in-law, Kenneth Sumerix, Keith (Diann) Sumerix, Delbert Black; and several nieces and nephews, friends, and customers. Mrs. Sumerix is preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Emma Badgero; four sisters-in-law, Joan Sumerix, Rosemary Miller, Donna Black, Irma Sumerix; and eight brothers-in-law, James Anderson, Harry Sumerix, Orville McGirr, Richard Schultz, Ron Marquardt Sr., Frank Brown, Dewey Talley, and William Sumerix.

Visitation will occur at Bannan Funeral Home in Alpena on Sunday, July 30, 2023, from 2-8 p.m. and on Monday, July 31, 2023, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Arnie Kirschner officiating. A luncheon will follow at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Alpena. Eleanor will be interred at Long Rapids Township Cemetery.

In place of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Long Rapids Congregational Church or the Alpena Community College Foundation for a scholarship in Eleanor’s honor. These contributions will serve as a lasting tribute to her compassionate spirit and commitment to helping others.

Rest in peace, dear Eleanor. May your soul find eternal serenity in the embrace of your loved ones who have gone before you.