Aileen Northrup

In as much as she gave, Aileen Northrup was loved abundantly and cherished in the hearts of many. A gentle woman with a kind and patient heart, she loved her family deeply, and treasured the many memories they formed together through the years. Aileen selflessly gave of her time and talents. She loved doing for others, yet never wanted the spotlight, or to put anyone out for her sake. Through her unending faith, she was also a strong and determined woman who lived by her moral convictions. With a heart of gold, Aileen lived her life in service to all, and was a light to everyone she knew.

Although the nation struggled through the worst of the Great Depression, the year 1933 saw great strides being made in the culture of America. Many were hopeful, and the spirit of America strived for better tomorrows. For Clarence and H. Marie (Parrish) Schultz of Fennville, Michigan, there was much to be thankful for when they celebrated the birth of their little girl, Aileen on April 7, 1933. Raised an only child, Aileen's mother was a teacher at the local, one room schoolhouse while her father worked as a shift supervisor for a canning factory. Unlike many during the days of the Great Depression, both of Aileen's parents continued to be employed throughout these trying times, and worked hard to build a home to call their own during this unprecedented time.

Aileen enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. She attended the area schools, and in time became acquainted with a handsome young man named Elwin Northrup. Even though he was a year older than Aileen, their first date took place when she invited him back to attend her senior prom with her. She went on to graduate from Fennville High School in 1951, and furthered her education at Western Michigan University where she received her bachelor's and master's degrees. She and Elwin continued dating, and soon found themselves deeply in love. They were happily married on June 13, 1959 before moving to Martin, Michigan in 1960. It was there in their forever home where Aileen would remain for the next 55 years of her life.

Before long, their lives were abundantly blessed with the addition of three wonderful children whom Aileen loved dearly. Ron, Tom, and Amy filled Aileen's heart with the greatest joy. She was involved in the lives of her children, and made a good home for her family. As a family they spent memorable times together during the holidays, and throughout life's events. They forged many memories in their home which Aileen often recalled with fond remembrance.

Elwin supported their family as a school principal while Aileen remained at home to raise their family. Yet like her mother before her, Aileen also had a fulfilling career as a schoolteacher. For 29 years she taught as an elementary teacher, serving the Martin School system for 25 of those years. Kind and ever dedicated, Aileen touched the lives of many young students, and considered herself blessed. She was inducted into the Martin Public Schools Hall of Fame, along with her husband, Elwin. Even though they never taught at the same time, it was a joy to have received this honor side-by-side for their commitment to the education of the area's youth.

Aileen was quite talented with the accordion, and enjoyed that genre of music. Whenever she listened to her son, Tom play the piano, it was music to her ears. Aileen and Elwin were active members of the Martin United Methodist Church where she and Elwin enjoyed performing together, and at community events. She played the accordion while Elwin sang, and delighted all with their duo performances. Aileen enjoyed traveling and over the years traveled throughout the United States and spent time in Europe. Near to her heart was their family cottage at Hutchins Lake, near Fennville. Aileen loved entertaining family and friends there. It was also a very special place for Aileen as she relaxed and took in times of peaceful solitude.

Extremely proud of her grandchildren, Aileen especially loved sharing their company at every opportunity, and attending the many activities they were involved in. When her husband Elwin passed away, it was the strength of her steadfast faith and the love of family that saw her through. Throughout her life, Aileen was a fine example for her children and grandchildren to live by.

With faith as her guide, Aileen fought quite a battle with kidney cancer. She underwent one kidney removal in 1967, and her remaining kidney was removed in 2009. Through it all, Aileen was brave and exemplified what it means to enjoy life despite such challenges. Having gone through six years of kidney dialysis, her faith and positive attitude in the face of tremendous odds served as an inspiration for her family, church family, and caregiver community. While kidney cancer did not define Aileen's life, the courageous and positive way in which she approached living with the disease was typical of Aileen’s spirit. A special woman in the hearts of those she leaves behind, she will be dearly missed.

Aileen Northrup, 81, of Martin, died peacefully in her home, Friday, February 20, 2015 with her family at her side. Although deeply saddened by losing her, Aileen's family is most grateful for the caring spirit and joy she brought to their lives, and to the lives of many others. Aileen was preceded in death by her parents; her infant sister, Wanda; and by her beloved husband, Elwin in 1994. She is survived by her sons, Ron (Diane) Northrup of Comstock Township and Tom Northrup of Prairieville Township; her daughter, Amy (Steve) Collins of Hastings; grandchildren, Amanda and Matthew Northrup; Ronnie, Kayleigh and Allison Collins; brothers and sisters-in-law, Norris and Dona Northrup of Allegan; Doyal and Betty Northrup of Portage; nieces, Sally Beyer, Connie Kirk, Ginny Cronkhite; and many cousins.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 22, 2015 from 2-5 pm at LifeStory Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell, Michigan. Services will be held at 11:00 am, Monday, February 23, 2015 at the Martin United Methodist Church, 969 E. Allegan St., Martin, Michigan. Please visit Aileen’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory and/or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to the Martin United Methodist Church.