On Sunday, Nov. 25, our mother, Marian Gennrich, died following complications from replacement hip surgery. There are two institutions in Alpena that merit special recognition for their part in taking care of Marian and our family.

First is the Long Rapids Road MediLodge and Rehab Center. The entire staff at MediLodge showed great concern, care, support, and love for our mother throughout her eight-week stay there. And the caring didn’t stop with Mom — the staff also expressed their concern for the well-being of our family.

Secondly is the McWiliams Funeral Home on Washington Avenue. Mom had written down many ideas she wanted incorporated into her funeral service. First of all, at the age of 96, many of her friends and family were deceased. Therefore, she thought it best to have an intimate service at the funeral home, rather than in the large sanctuary of her beloved St. Paul Lutheran Church. Jeff Faircloth was most helpful to us in planning her service, offering some suggestions to go along with mom’s desires. We never felt rushed or pushed into making decisions. Their funeral home printed mom’s life story along with photos to be distributed to the mourners — it was beautifully done and appreciated. The icing on the cake was Mom’s final ride in Scarlett, the vintage McWilliams hearse.

Our family cannot praise these two enterprises enough at a time that was difficult at best. We will be forever indebted to them for their kindnesses.

JUDIE GENNRICH WILLIAMS, CHERYL GENNRICH

ROSBECK,

and DEBRA GENNRICH NORTHRUP