Grace Appell

Loving wife, loving mother, for Grace Helen Appell, her most cherished place to be was in the company of her family surrounded by their love. Just as she nurtured and embraced her role as mother, she channeled great care and passion with a lifelong love of gardening, tending to the beauty around her. Her lifetime of giving will be remembered in her community where she gave so much of her time and talents. A compassionate lady, she will be truly missed in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

While the nation struggled through the worst year during the Great Depression, the year 1933 saw a unprecedented U.S. jobless rate of over 15 million. At the same time, great strides were being made in the culture of America as Radio City Music Hall opened and The Ranger, the first U.S. aircraft carrier, was launched. FDR held his first “Fireside Chat” to boost the spirits of Americans while they also continued their thirst for entertainment as a deviation from hard economic times. In the town of Highland Park, Michigan, on a spring day filled with new beginnings, Dr. Edgar G. and Helen (Duff) Cochrane found much to divert their attention when they celebrated the birth of a little girl they name Grace Helen on May 18, 1933.

Her older brother, Jack and her younger sister, Bonnie Jean were a close knit family. Their Scottish heritage was an important factor in Grace’s upbringing and it remained close to her heart her whole life through. She traveled to Scotland and Nova Scotia to research her ancestors. Sadly, when Grace was five years, her mother died after giving birth to her sister. She attended private schools in Rhode Island and graduated from Highland Park High School.

Following high school, Grace attended the University of Michigan Nursing School. While attending nursing school, Grace found her life on a new course when in 1951 she met medical student, Lloyd E. Appell. On their first date, Lloyd and Grace went walking together before going for coffee and talked long before realizing the coffee shop was closed. Lloyd found a very special place in Grace’s heart and the feeling was mutual. After dating for a time, the two became engaged on Lloyd’s birthday and were blessed in marriage on June 11, 1954, the day before graduation. After graduation and internship, Lloyd entered the U.S. Air Force while Grace worked for a doctor’s office. Their first child, Stephen was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan while Lloyd was at the School of Aviation Medicine in San Antonio, Texas. They moved to Larsen Air Force Base in Moses Lake, Washington where their second son, Kenneth was born. After discharge the couple moved to Vicksburg, Michigan in 1957, and the very day of their arrival, the village was hit by a tornado, but it didn’t dampen their resolve.

As Lloyd and Grace's family grew to include four children; Stephen, Kenneth, Bonnie and Rob, Grace still found time to occasionally help out in Lloyd's office when needed. Her first priority though was her children whom she loved dearly, and each brought much joy to Grace’s life. She truly embraced her role as mother and supported them in all of their activities and endeavors over the years.

Remaining in Vicksburg, Grace became very active in the community where she established lifelong friendships, especially in the Toddlers Thru Teens Mothers Club. Active in Republican politics, Grace was elected and served as Schoolcraft Township Supervisor in the late 70s. An avid bridge player, Grace was sure to be at the Vicksburg Library each Tuesday for bridge sessions. Quite talented at the game, Grace went on to play in the Vicksburg Bridge Marathon as well as annual tournaments in Cadillac and Mackinac Island, Michigan. A true lady in every respect, Grace also had a love for and found appreciation in poetry.

With her giving heart, Grace became an active volunteer for many organizations in and around Vicksburg. She supported many beloved charities throughout the years not only financially, but with her time and talents. The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross were near and dear to her heart, and she even donated over ten gallons of blood over the years to the American Red Cross. As a faithful member of the Vicksburg United Methodist Church for over 50 years, Grace was instrumental in a group from church in providing breakfast each month to the Rickman House community.

Grace had a great love for gardening, bestowing the many garden areas at church with her garden planning and tender care. With gardening, Grace found peace and tranquility, and it truly became a form of art to her. Finding great joy in the beauty around her, she was highly esteemed within the community for her gardening flair and vast knowledge. She studied to become a Master Gardener, helped initiate the Vicksburg Flowerfest to beautify downtown Vicksburg, and was active in the Victorian Garden Club and plantings at the Historic Village. Although a Master Gardener, Grace’s first priority was her family, always placing them before anything else, especially when grandchildren came along. Grace loved them deeply and was so very proud of them.

The years also allowed Grace and Lloyd to fulfill a penchant for travel. They traveled all over the world, visiting many destinations such as Greece, Egypt on an elder hostel, England, Germany, Scotland, Austria, and Yellowstone just to name a few. In 1984, they became owners of a time share in Cancun where many lifelong friends were made who resided in many different cities across the states. In fact, each year, the couples made it a point to visit one another, spending memorable times together each year in each couple’s home state.

Sadly, at the age of 76, Grace died on Wednesday, August 5, 2009 after a heroic battle with a rare and devastating disease. Grace was preceded in death by her sister Bonnie Jean. Grace is survived by her husband Lloyd. She is also survived by her children, Stephen of Vicksburg, Kenneth (Jennifer) of Fort Worth, Texas, Bonnie (Jeanne) of Brighton, and Rob of Midland; Five beloved grandchildren, Amanda, Stephanie, Erin, Morgan and Blake and her brother Jack (Polly) Cochrane of Edmond, Oklahoma.

Learn more about Grace, view her Life Story film and visit with her family and friends on Sunday, August 23, 2009, 1-3 PM at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church where services will begin at 3:00 PM followed by a luncheon and a time to continue visiting with Grace’s family. Grace loved flowers and trees. The family suggests planting a flower in your own garden or a public place for future enjoyment as a memorial and reminder of Grace. The Victorian Garden Club will be glad to assist you, or in lieu of flowers, a contribution may be made to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Please visit Grace’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory, photo or sign her memory book online before coming to the church. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Home, Vicksburg, 409 S. Main St. (649-1697)