Sunny Charkowski
Dec 16th 1937 - Aug 16th 2008
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Seth VanHall (son in law)
August 24th 2008
Mimi, as I had come to know her, was as fine a person as one could ever hope to know. Her kindness, caring, and love can be found by the legacy she leaves behind in her husband, Larry, her children, Kevin, Sue, and Robin, and her grandchildren, Lauren and Abby. She had a profound impact on my life, both directly and indirectly. Thank you, Mimi! I love you and miss you. I still can't believe you're gone.....
Seth
Jane Rapin
August 21st 2008
I am just remembering how caring and loving Sunny was to me and my family. I could always count on her to help me out with the kids or whatever I needed. She was just down the street at Robin and Seth's house on Royce Ave. taking care of Lauren and Abby. Even after Robin moved to Virginia Sunny would stop by when she was missing Lauren and Abby. She would just like to talk and play with my children Nicholas and Aidan. She was so giving much like Robin is today. God bless. Much Love and Peace
Jane
Dawn Bean-Tew
August 20th 2008
I just would like to share that the Wilkins and Charkowski gang are a special part of my life, as my own. When my lil' brother Tim and I were left in the care of my brother Larry and wife Jo every November, we were a part of them because my own folks were up north hunting. We always shared Thanksgiving and Kevins Birthday with them and Sunny and her family always made me feel like we were one of the family kids. As I grew older I felt the love she had for her children and grandchilderen. I will miss you Sunny. I know I will carry a piece of you wherever My life leads me.
Love and Prayers to All, Dawn
Brian, Cheryl Benson and Kids
August 19th 2008
I can't remember ever not knowing Sunny. My earliest memories of her were from back in the 1960's when we lived on Banbury Road, across the street from Sunny, Larry, Kevin and Susie I think that was just before Robin was born or close to that time. We had so much fun playing in Sunny's basement or over in our garage turned playroom. I am sure it was destiney that our paths crossed that early in our lives, because we have all been friends ever since.
I never saw Sunny when she wasn't smiling, so her name truly fit her as a person. She was such a good listener and I always enjoyed being around her, she was so warm and friendly and genuine.
I will truly miss Sunny and my heart goes out to Larry, Kevin, Susie and Robin and the grandchildren.
One thing I can say for sure, I will always carry a piece of Sunny with me wherever I go as long as I live, because she was a part of our lives for so long.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian and Cheryl Benson-Hunt and Kids
Will, Lisa, Trey, and Claire Harvie
August 19th 2008
Seth, Robin, Lauren, & Abby,
We feel your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you in Michigan & we will be here for you in Charlottesville. We loved Mimi's visits and will remember the fun we had trick or treating last Halloween with her help. She was a loving Mimi to Claire and we will miss her visits.
Love, Will, Lisa, Trey & Claire
Cathy Roberts (Shoup)
August 19th 2008
I will always remember when I was younger and going to Aunt Trevas house for christmas day. We couldn't wait to get there. Sunny always had a beautiful smile and made us feel so welcome. I haven't seen her for a long time and she still looks as I remember her. I know you will all miss her very much. She was a great lady. In Christian Love,Cathy Shoup
Laurie Ogilvie
August 19th 2008
Susan and family,
So sorry for your loss. May God be with you all to help you with your pain. You are in my thought's and prayer's.
Lis Mellor
August 18th 2008
A number of years ago, I met Sunny through my dear friend, and Sunny's sister Jo Bean. Growing up I watched how close my mom was with her 3 sisters so I kinda of knew what I was missing having 4 brothers. Although I loved them all and being the oldest I felt motherly toward them, I admit that I and cried everytime my mom had "another boy" since I wanted a sister so bad. Jo and I connected in the '70's (meeting at work at good old "The Upjohn Company," and as we became close I saw the close wonderful relationship she had with her sisters. I felt so luckily when they told me that they would be my sisters and I've never felt the lack of not having a sister since. They have truly blest my life in so many ways.
After my husband passed away, they invited me to visit their newly widowed, Aunt Alice, in Maine. That trip touched my heart. It was so special! Not only did we laugh through the whole drive back and forth, but it became a sort of "timeless" experience going to her home on the ocean with no TV and her Aunt paying the piano. We enjoyed nature, lots of lobster dinners, and mostly each other. As "Aunt Alice" (yes I called her that) introduced us to her friends, rather than explain how I was a friend, she just included me as one of her nieces. With such a special Aunt, I can see where Sunny and her sister Jo got wonderful life lessons to become such special people.
I grieve for the family - it is hard to lose someone you love so much, but it is a wonderful comfort to know that she was special to so many others too.
Her memory will always have a special place in my heart.
Blessing to you all! Lis
Sandy Pomeroy
August 18th 2008
I only knew Sunny for a short time but it will be one of the brightest times of my life. Another shining light has been added to heaven.
Jodi Stephens (Shoup)
August 18th 2008
I have always remembered the holidays spent with all. They are very special to me. It has been many years since I have seen my Aunts, Uncles and cousins but the memories will stay with me always. I remember Sunny as a beautiful person and I know you all will miss her terribly. My prayers and thoughts are with you and know that I am sad to hear of her passing.
Roxanne and Jim Blackwell
August 18th 2008
Sunny was "Sunny". And we will miss her.
A picture that I've "always just had" was one of Sunny and me as a tenager at Christmas. We both have big smiles on our faces (we usually did) and my arms are full of wrapping paper. That picture I've "always just had", resides in our fireproof box with our important papers and pictures. It's always on top - I just like that picture - I guess that's why it's always on top.
We miss you, Sunny.
Love Roxanne, Jim and Cam
Deb Kay
August 18th 2008
One of the happiest days of my life was back on December 1, 1962 when I served as Sunny and Larry's flower girl at their wedding. I loved Sunny from the moment I met her and thought she was so beautiful!! Larry was such a lucky man. It was an extraordinary day and the beginning of an extraordinary marriage.
I love you Sunny and will see you again. Until then, I will hold you close in my heart - always. Your sister-in-law, Deb.
Brenda Pierce (Bowling)
August 18th 2008
Dear Sunny,
You were awesome!!! I loved you like a second mom and told many you and Larry were my second parents.. I loved coming to your house with Sue every chance I could. Your smile could light up any room and I always felt loved in your home... Your family I know was truely blessed to have you as a wife, mother and grandmother. I have so many great memories of you and your family that I will cherish forever. I love you Mrs. C. You are the BEST!!!!
God Bless. I know the heavens are BRIGHT with your smile:) Love, Brenda
Don & Sonya Cool & Family
August 18th 2008
We are so sorry to hear about Sunny's passing. We didn't know she was sick, the last we heard she was in Virginia. We all get so busy with our own children and Grandchildren, we forget to keep in touch with others. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Tom Jacobs
August 18th 2008
Bo-Jack,
Sorry for your loss.
Jo Wilkins Bean (JoJo to Sunny)
August 17th 2008
Sunny - YES! Sunny -- She was sunshine in my life, my precious big sister who became my very BEST FRIEND as we grew older (of course I was her pesky little sis when she was in Plainwell High because I always wanted to be with her and her friends, but she never seemed to mind too much -- she humored me.) I looked up to her and wanted to be just like her. The family always felt she was named appropriately "Sunny Gayle". How did they know at her birth that she would bring sunshine and kindness and love to so many? The Gayle came about if she felt one needed to be made aware of a wrong; she was not afraid to let you know where you stood with her. Yet she was quick to forgive and forget and move ahead. She stood for what was right and good.
She blessed her family with a deep, unselfish love, and that love was very evident as we watched Larry (her husband of nearly 46 yrs), Robin, Kevin and Susan and her precious granddaughters, Lauren Rose and Abby Rose VanHall return it fullscale as they blessed her with loving care during her battle with metastacized breast cancer in her bones. Even her granddogs Camry and Tar visited her in Rose Arbor. Oh how she enjoyed walking those dogs with Larry at Yankee Springs Park or the Industrial Park at 8th St, Plainwell, Kindleberger Park, Parchment, Kal Haven Trail. Being outdoors was a must for Sunny.
Sunny, Lis Mellor and I always celebrated our birthdays at S Haven beach and because of her December birthday, we just chose another sunny day in the summer to celebrate her birthday. Browsing through antique and boutique shops was a must while in S Haven, St Joe, Saugatuck, etc.
Sunny loved to shop!
Sunny, Lis and I traveled to Maine to visit Daddy's last living sibling Aunt Alice Strout in 2002 and help her through a memorial service for Uncle Vinny Strout. We truly laughed all the way (1,050 miles) to Maine and all the way home. Wonderful memories remain vivid in our minds and hearts.
She attended BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) on Tue mornings for the past 3 years with me. Her small group leaders remark that she never missed a class unless, of course, she was on one of her trips to Charlottesville, VA to visit Robin, Seth and those precious granddaughters, Lauren & Abby!!
She did know Jesus Christ as her personal redeemer and Savior. She and I were able to talk candidly during her illness about this deep belief and confidence that she would indeed be taken to her Eternal, Heavenly Home and live with the Lord forever! There is no doubt that her BIG CELEBRATION began yesterday at the time of her last breath here on earth. In the blink of an eye Sunny was home with Jesus! PRAISE GOD for this glorious homecoming!
Recently told her about a Christian song I heard on the way in to the hospital to visit her -- "Dancing with the Angels" -- I believe Sunny is now dancing with the angels and celebrating. As the family gathered at the Charkowski home on Marsh Rd yesterday, we started to remark about everyone gathering there (as we did so often during the years) and how much Sunny would have loved the perfect day in her back yard with the family all around. Yet . . .we then realized she was in Golden Streets of Heaven, a place so beautiful no one can even imagine how awesome it is! We celebrated that the Lord had mercy on her & saw fit to take away her pain at last and reward her with the BEST REWARD we can ever hope for. AMEN and AMEN.
You were my sister by birth, my sister in Christ and my BEST FRIEND, Sunny, but you know that don't ya! Your celebration must be magnificent! I'll see you again in Heaven one day (all in God's time and perfect plan). . .
Your loving sister, Jo Jo
Lisa Sutton
August 16th 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. If ever a woman fit her name it was Sunny. She was a delightful woman. Although i did not know her well, the few times that I did meet her she made me smile. She was just one of those people that brightened up your day just talking to her. She will be missed by many.
Seth VanHall (son in law)
August 24th 2008
Mimi, as I had come to know her, was as fine a person as one could ever hope to know. Her kindness, caring, and love can be found by the legacy she leaves behind in her husband, Larry, her children, Kevin, Sue, and Robin, and her grandchildren, Lauren and Abby. She had a profound impact on my life, both directly and indirectly. Thank you, Mimi! I love you and miss you. I still can't believe you're gone.....
Seth
Jane Rapin
August 21st 2008
I am just remembering how caring and loving Sunny was to me and my family. I could always count on her to help me out with the kids or whatever I needed. She was just down the street at Robin and Seth's house on Royce Ave. taking care of Lauren and Abby. Even after Robin moved to Virginia Sunny would stop by when she was missing Lauren and Abby. She would just like to talk and play with my children Nicholas and Aidan. She was so giving much like Robin is today. God bless. Much Love and Peace
Jane
Dawn Bean-Tew
August 20th 2008
I just would like to share that the Wilkins and Charkowski gang are a special part of my life, as my own. When my lil' brother Tim and I were left in the care of my brother Larry and wife Jo every November, we were a part of them because my own folks were up north hunting. We always shared Thanksgiving and Kevins Birthday with them and Sunny and her family always made me feel like we were one of the family kids. As I grew older I felt the love she had for her children and grandchilderen. I will miss you Sunny. I know I will carry a piece of you wherever My life leads me.
Love and Prayers to All, Dawn
Brian, Cheryl Benson and Kids
August 19th 2008
I can't remember ever not knowing Sunny. My earliest memories of her were from back in the 1960's when we lived on Banbury Road, across the street from Sunny, Larry, Kevin and Susie I think that was just before Robin was born or close to that time. We had so much fun playing in Sunny's basement or over in our garage turned playroom. I am sure it was destiney that our paths crossed that early in our lives, because we have all been friends ever since.
I never saw Sunny when she wasn't smiling, so her name truly fit her as a person. She was such a good listener and I always enjoyed being around her, she was so warm and friendly and genuine.
I will truly miss Sunny and my heart goes out to Larry, Kevin, Susie and Robin and the grandchildren.
One thing I can say for sure, I will always carry a piece of Sunny with me wherever I go as long as I live, because she was a part of our lives for so long.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Brian and Cheryl Benson-Hunt and Kids
Will, Lisa, Trey, and Claire Harvie
August 19th 2008
Seth, Robin, Lauren, & Abby,
We feel your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you in Michigan & we will be here for you in Charlottesville. We loved Mimi's visits and will remember the fun we had trick or treating last Halloween with her help. She was a loving Mimi to Claire and we will miss her visits.
Love, Will, Lisa, Trey & Claire
Cathy Roberts (Shoup)
August 19th 2008
I will always remember when I was younger and going to Aunt Trevas house for christmas day. We couldn't wait to get there. Sunny always had a beautiful smile and made us feel so welcome. I haven't seen her for a long time and she still looks as I remember her. I know you will all miss her very much. She was a great lady. In Christian Love,Cathy Shoup
Laurie Ogilvie
August 19th 2008
Susan and family,
So sorry for your loss. May God be with you all to help you with your pain. You are in my thought's and prayer's.
Lis Mellor
August 18th 2008
A number of years ago, I met Sunny through my dear friend, and Sunny's sister Jo Bean. Growing up I watched how close my mom was with her 3 sisters so I kinda of knew what I was missing having 4 brothers. Although I loved them all and being the oldest I felt motherly toward them, I admit that I and cried everytime my mom had "another boy" since I wanted a sister so bad. Jo and I connected in the '70's (meeting at work at good old "The Upjohn Company," and as we became close I saw the close wonderful relationship she had with her sisters. I felt so luckily when they told me that they would be my sisters and I've never felt the lack of not having a sister since. They have truly blest my life in so many ways.
After my husband passed away, they invited me to visit their newly widowed, Aunt Alice, in Maine. That trip touched my heart. It was so special! Not only did we laugh through the whole drive back and forth, but it became a sort of "timeless" experience going to her home on the ocean with no TV and her Aunt paying the piano. We enjoyed nature, lots of lobster dinners, and mostly each other. As "Aunt Alice" (yes I called her that) introduced us to her friends, rather than explain how I was a friend, she just included me as one of her nieces. With such a special Aunt, I can see where Sunny and her sister Jo got wonderful life lessons to become such special people.
I grieve for the family - it is hard to lose someone you love so much, but it is a wonderful comfort to know that she was special to so many others too.
Her memory will always have a special place in my heart.
Blessing to you all! Lis
Sandy Pomeroy
August 18th 2008
I only knew Sunny for a short time but it will be one of the brightest times of my life. Another shining light has been added to heaven.
Jodi Stephens (Shoup)
August 18th 2008
I have always remembered the holidays spent with all. They are very special to me. It has been many years since I have seen my Aunts, Uncles and cousins but the memories will stay with me always. I remember Sunny as a beautiful person and I know you all will miss her terribly. My prayers and thoughts are with you and know that I am sad to hear of her passing.
Roxanne and Jim Blackwell
August 18th 2008
Sunny was "Sunny". And we will miss her.
A picture that I've "always just had" was one of Sunny and me as a tenager at Christmas. We both have big smiles on our faces (we usually did) and my arms are full of wrapping paper. That picture I've "always just had", resides in our fireproof box with our important papers and pictures. It's always on top - I just like that picture - I guess that's why it's always on top.
We miss you, Sunny.
Love Roxanne, Jim and Cam
Deb Kay
August 18th 2008
One of the happiest days of my life was back on December 1, 1962 when I served as Sunny and Larry's flower girl at their wedding. I loved Sunny from the moment I met her and thought she was so beautiful!! Larry was such a lucky man. It was an extraordinary day and the beginning of an extraordinary marriage.
I love you Sunny and will see you again. Until then, I will hold you close in my heart - always. Your sister-in-law, Deb.
Brenda Pierce (Bowling)
August 18th 2008
Dear Sunny,
You were awesome!!! I loved you like a second mom and told many you and Larry were my second parents.. I loved coming to your house with Sue every chance I could. Your smile could light up any room and I always felt loved in your home... Your family I know was truely blessed to have you as a wife, mother and grandmother. I have so many great memories of you and your family that I will cherish forever. I love you Mrs. C. You are the BEST!!!!
God Bless. I know the heavens are BRIGHT with your smile:) Love, Brenda
Don & Sonya Cool & Family
August 18th 2008
We are so sorry to hear about Sunny's passing. We didn't know she was sick, the last we heard she was in Virginia. We all get so busy with our own children and Grandchildren, we forget to keep in touch with others. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Tom Jacobs
August 18th 2008
Bo-Jack,
Sorry for your loss.
Jo Wilkins Bean (JoJo to Sunny)
August 17th 2008
Sunny - YES! Sunny -- She was sunshine in my life, my precious big sister who became my very BEST FRIEND as we grew older (of course I was her pesky little sis when she was in Plainwell High because I always wanted to be with her and her friends, but she never seemed to mind too much -- she humored me.) I looked up to her and wanted to be just like her. The family always felt she was named appropriately "Sunny Gayle". How did they know at her birth that she would bring sunshine and kindness and love to so many? The Gayle came about if she felt one needed to be made aware of a wrong; she was not afraid to let you know where you stood with her. Yet she was quick to forgive and forget and move ahead. She stood for what was right and good.
She blessed her family with a deep, unselfish love, and that love was very evident as we watched Larry (her husband of nearly 46 yrs), Robin, Kevin and Susan and her precious granddaughters, Lauren Rose and Abby Rose VanHall return it fullscale as they blessed her with loving care during her battle with metastacized breast cancer in her bones. Even her granddogs Camry and Tar visited her in Rose Arbor. Oh how she enjoyed walking those dogs with Larry at Yankee Springs Park or the Industrial Park at 8th St, Plainwell, Kindleberger Park, Parchment, Kal Haven Trail. Being outdoors was a must for Sunny.
Sunny, Lis Mellor and I always celebrated our birthdays at S Haven beach and because of her December birthday, we just chose another sunny day in the summer to celebrate her birthday. Browsing through antique and boutique shops was a must while in S Haven, St Joe, Saugatuck, etc.
Sunny loved to shop!
Sunny, Lis and I traveled to Maine to visit Daddy's last living sibling Aunt Alice Strout in 2002 and help her through a memorial service for Uncle Vinny Strout. We truly laughed all the way (1,050 miles) to Maine and all the way home. Wonderful memories remain vivid in our minds and hearts.
She attended BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) on Tue mornings for the past 3 years with me. Her small group leaders remark that she never missed a class unless, of course, she was on one of her trips to Charlottesville, VA to visit Robin, Seth and those precious granddaughters, Lauren & Abby!!
She did know Jesus Christ as her personal redeemer and Savior. She and I were able to talk candidly during her illness about this deep belief and confidence that she would indeed be taken to her Eternal, Heavenly Home and live with the Lord forever! There is no doubt that her BIG CELEBRATION began yesterday at the time of her last breath here on earth. In the blink of an eye Sunny was home with Jesus! PRAISE GOD for this glorious homecoming!
Recently told her about a Christian song I heard on the way in to the hospital to visit her -- "Dancing with the Angels" -- I believe Sunny is now dancing with the angels and celebrating. As the family gathered at the Charkowski home on Marsh Rd yesterday, we started to remark about everyone gathering there (as we did so often during the years) and how much Sunny would have loved the perfect day in her back yard with the family all around. Yet . . .we then realized she was in Golden Streets of Heaven, a place so beautiful no one can even imagine how awesome it is! We celebrated that the Lord had mercy on her & saw fit to take away her pain at last and reward her with the BEST REWARD we can ever hope for. AMEN and AMEN.
You were my sister by birth, my sister in Christ and my BEST FRIEND, Sunny, but you know that don't ya! Your celebration must be magnificent! I'll see you again in Heaven one day (all in God's time and perfect plan). . .
Your loving sister, Jo Jo
Lisa Sutton
August 16th 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. If ever a woman fit her name it was Sunny. She was a delightful woman. Although i did not know her well, the few times that I did meet her she made me smile. She was just one of those people that brightened up your day just talking to her. She will be missed by many.
