Kory L. Switzer

Some count financial achievements and worldly treasures as the greatest blessings in life, yet for Kory Switzer, the loving role of devoted wife and dedicated mother was all she ever needed. With those she loved by her side, Kory achieved her greatest joy, and in her they found a loving and nurturing woman with whom they could depend. Through her strong and committed faith, Kory lived each day she was given with thankfulness and delight. A true fighter, Kory will be fondly remembered and deeply missed in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan on November 8, 1973, Kory Lynn was the oldest of eventually four children born to Guy and Harriet (Parks) Pound. She grew up alongside her three younger brothers Adam, Josh and Lee at a time when the culture of America was swiftly changing. From wide bell bottoms to wide lapels and wide ties, hair grew longer and skirts were worn shorter. As technology improved, the range and sophistication of home appliances offered greater freedom and time saving features. News of the day included the end of the Vietnam War, and while New York’s World Trade Center became the tallest building in the world, the newly constructed Sears Tower in Chicago was a close second.

Despite the changing times around her, Kory enjoyed a childhood typical of her generation. She spent her early elementary school years in Vicksburg before her family relocated to the Marcellus area. An outgoing and fun-loving girl, Kory was a good friend of many. She was active in the drama club and loved singing in her high school choir before graduating from Marcellus High School in 1992. Following high school, Kory went on to attend Northern Michigan University where she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. In her senior year she served as president of her sorority. Kory graduated from NMU with a BS in Public Administration.

She landed a position working for Shepard Casters, and while there she became lasting friends with one of her coworkers, Daniel Switzer. With mutual affection, Kory and Dan soon found themselves deeply in love and on October 23, 1999 they were happily joined in marriage.

It didn’t take long for Kory and Dan to begin a family of their own. Just prior to their first wedding anniversary the couple was blessed with the birth of their first son, Hazen. And over the next few years two additional sons followed with the births of Abraham and Eli. Nothing made Kory happier than being a wife and mother. She made a good home for Dan and their boys, and she took in all that motherhood had to offer. Kory spent hours volunteering at her children’s schools helping with the reading club or giving her assistance to the teachers. Whenever there was a need, she could always be counted on to lend a helping hand.

Kory liked keeping busy. When she wasn’t tending to her family she took on several different part time jobs over the years. She spent time delivering newspapers, and sometimes with her whole family tucked in the car with her. She also was a waitress at LaCantina Restaurant in Paw Paw, but her favorite job was cleaning houses. Not that she so much liked cleaning, but socializing with the good friends she cleaned with made it all the more enjoyable, and easier, too.

She was an outgoing and extremely social woman with a strong faith. Kory shared the friendships of many and she cherished each one with unending dedication and trust. When Kory was around, it was sure to be a great time for all. Once someone became one of Kory’s friends, they were considered a forever friend, even the cashiers she became friends with at Meijer!

Kory possessed a great memory for people and could even remember the smallest details about them and their lives years later. With ways of her own, Kory was the one within her circle of friends and family that was never shy about discussing the “elephant in the room.” No matter the topic, she was comfortable bringing up subject matter that needed to be discussed. Kory was also at ease sharing her faith when she knew someone needed spiritual support.

The day that forever changed the course of Kory’s life came five years ago. Diagnosed with breast cancer, it may have altered her direction, but it never broke her fighting spirit or strong will. Ever the dedicated wife and mother, even in the midst of her treatments Kory continued to manage her family, keeping them on task and organized. Despite the disease progressing and becoming more and more difficult, Kory remained strong for the sake of her beloved family.

An everlasting example of love, dedication and devotion, Kory’s strength of heart was unmatched. In the days ahead, love will be what is remembered most about Kory and the ways in which she touched many with her positive and faithful spirit. Although deeply missed, she will be remembered with joy.

Kory Lynn Switzer, age 42, of Mattawan, passed away at Rose Arbor Hospice on Wednesday, January 27, 2016. Kory is survived by her husband, Dan; sons, Hazen, Abraham and Eli; her parents, Guy and Harriet Pound; brothers, Adam (Kelly) Pound and their children, Cooper and Farrah, and Lee Pound. She was preceded in death by her brother, Josh Pound.

Visit with Kory’s family on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Homes, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 30, 2016, 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Paw Paw. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can share a favorite memory of Kory and sign her online guestbook. Memorial donations in memory of Kory may be made to the Susan G. Koman Foundation.