Where Food, Drinks & Stories Are Shared
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Amy Mesara

December 2, 1965 - December 5, 2016
Kalamazoo, MI

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Visitation

Friday, December 9, 2016
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EST
Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes
Kalamazoo Location
6080 Stadium Drive
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
(269) 375-2900

Food and drinks will be served.

Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Kalamazoo Animal Rescue
P.O. Box 3295
Kalamazoo, MI 49003
(269) 349-2325
Web Site

God's Special People's Camp
P.O. Box 84
Oshtemo, MI 49077
(269) 375-5427

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ambati
1830 S. Westnedge
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
(269) 349-4961
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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When reflecting on the life of Amy Mesara, words such as caring, smart as a tac, and animal lover come to mind, however, perhaps the word that paints the most vivid picture of her is selfless. She cherished giving her time to others and tirelessly made a lifetime of volunteering within her community. With her small stature and unique personality, she was a kid magnet. When reading to the young children at local schools, they would flock to her and soak up her every word. A longtime resident of the community she loved, Amy was a stranger to none and a friend to all. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

The 1960’s were characterized by great social changes. Known as the era of optimism, many Americans believed they were standing at the dawn of a golden age. Midway through this promising decade in our nation’s history, Amy was welcomed home on December 2, 1965 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While in utero, Amy’s mother, Carolyn, was exposed to the German measles virus resulting in several birth defects for Amy including eye impairments and other complications involving heart surgery after her birth. Amy was not expected to live, yet her story of resilience and perseverance began during her fight for survival. Her strong will and miraculous recovery brought her parents great hope and happiness.

Fresh from medical school at the prestigious University of Michigan and after being discharged from the service in 1969, her father, Bruce set out to find the best educational setting for Amy. Parkwood Upjohn in Kalamazoo was a great fit during her early years of schooling and then later she transferred to St. Augustine’s beginning in the third grade. During her childhood, the family enjoyed many vacations to their cottage on Pine Lake, wading in the water and catching frogs. With the loving support and advocacy of her mother, Amy lived as normal a life as possible making significant gains in her academics, especially reading. Amy successfully graduated with the Class of 1984 from Hackett Catholic Central High. She had strong memory skills making her a trivia whiz and quiz bowl champion as a young teen. She also enjoyed volunteering at the American Red Cross, an interest that sparked many other areas of volunteerism throughout her adult life. With a strong desire to accomplish her dreams of being a social worker, Amy graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology from Nazareth College.

After many years at home with her parents, they purchased a home right next door to them where she could live independently and enjoy her varied routines and pastimes. Amy loved to fill the birdfeeders in her yard and watch the birds. She loved her itunes account and the ability to turn up the music and dance freely around the house to her favorite artists; John Denver, Adele, Neil Diamond, and James Taylor. She had a passion for Jeopardy and anyone close to Amy knew never to call when the show was on air! During the program, she was known to pace with a pen in her hand and answer the questions by pushing the top of the pen cap! Although she never appeared on the show, even after trying out twice and reaching several difficult levels, much to her heart’s desire, she did get the chance to meet Alex Trebek in person! She was starstruck and never forgot that special day in her life. In addition to Jeopardy, she kept up with the Michigan Wolverines and even mastered text messaging to keep her family and friends updated on the game score.

Amy loved fashion and especially enjoyed collecting jewelry and shopping the petite section of her favorite department stores; Kohl’s, JCPenney’s and Sears. When she wasn’t out shopping or sharing an ice cream cone with her Mom, she spent her time reading biographies. Frequenting local restaurants was Amy’s favorite pastime and servers knew her well enough to know exactly what she’d order before she even reached their door. If she was attending Niskers, it was hot dogs fixed to her liking. She also enjoyed the Lake Perch at Road House, the lasagna from La Cantina, the fish from Red Lobster and without a doubt, Diet Coke! In addition to eating out, she also frequented restaurants that served her favorite non-traditional dish; trivia! She especially favored the trivia at Applebee’s and Brann’s Steakhouse with her friend, Cynthia over the years.

Special celebrations with her family including Christmas and her birthday were very important to Amy. She treasured their vacations together, traveling to Disney, going on several cruises, visiting the condo in Key Largo and soaking in more knowledge on many historical and governmental trips including the state capitol. However, her favorite place to be was at God's Special People Camp in Reed City, MI. She was especially close with her brother, Doug and his wife, Jane who cared for her during her mother Carolyn’s recent decline in health. Amy often worried about Doug and Jane when they traveled and looked forward to their safe returns. Described as feisty, stubborn, and brutally honest at times, Amy leaves behind a rich collection of memorable moments with her close friends and special family. Taken too soon, she will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Amy P. Mesara, age 51, of Kalamazoo died December 5, 2016 at Bronson Hospital. She was born to loving parents, Bruce and Carolyn (Pauch) Mesara. Amy was a professional volunteer including: Directors Hall, King Westwood Elementary, American Red Cross, United Way and ROI. She was a member of Westwood United Methodist Church. Amy was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Bruce Mesara in 1994. Surviving are her mother, Carolyn Mesara; brother and sister-in-law, Doug Mesara and Jane Blyth; aunts and uncles: Donna and Phil Renuart and David and Melanie Pauch; niece, nephews, several cousins and her furry companions, Dini and Rocky. Cremation will take place. Visit with family and friends while sharing food and drinks on Friday from 6-8pm at Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900. Please visit Amy’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Animal Rescue.

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