Obituary for Martha Marie Christy Kessel Martha Marie Christy Kessel, age 93, of Marine City, died on May 2, 2018, with her loving family by her side. She was born in Algonac, July 13, 1924, the daughter of Ruth and Robert Christy. Martha attended school in Algonac and graduated in 1942.
She married Hubert Kessel in 1944 in St. Philip Neri Church, Detroit, Michigan. Martha and Huey made Marine City their home. They were devout members of Holy Cross Church, Marine City.
They had four children, Cynthia (Don) Schweihofer, Suzanne (Walker) Smith, Fr. Jerry Kessel O.F.M. Cap. and Theresa (John) Umlauf.
Martha and Huey travelled extensively visiting Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Russia, Canada, Mexico and several states. Martha was also the last living member of the Friday Night Club. Huey and Martha would spend many Friday nights dining and dancing the night away with some of their dearest friends.
She loved gardening, calligraphy and music. She especially enjoyed playing the piano. From an early age Martha had a great desire to become a school teacher.
After the birth of her fourth child she enrolled at Port Huron Jr. College, continued her education at Wayne State University, where she earned a master’s in Education. Her first teaching experience was at Holy Cross School. She majored in English and taught English to students attending Holy Cross High School.
After five years she signed on with Algonac Community School. Continuing to advance her studies she attended Oakland University and was awarded a Master’s Degree in Learning Disabilities. She headed the reading program as Director of Special Education.
With the assistance of school staff a total reading program K-12 was written. Following her retirement at Algonac Schools she served two years as Principal at St. Mary’s School in St. Clair. She was truly happy with fellow administrators, teaching staff, students and parents.
She had fulfilled her childhood dream. She served as lector, Eucharistic Minister, CCD teacher and on parish council. Martha initiated the funeral dinners at Holy Cross and sang with the Interfaith Choir.
She volunteered at Mercy Hospital and assisted with bingo for Holy Cross. She was president for the League of Catholic Women and also served on the Marine City Scholarship Board. In addition to her children Martha is survived by grandchildren, Lynn (Mark) Zelenak, Karen Schweihofer, David Schweihofer (Karen Sheldan), Heidi Chartier, Jill (David) Walker, Christopher (Stephanie) Smith, Brian, Elizabeth and Nicholas Smith, Erin (Ashly) Dressander, Kurt Umlauf, Kelly Umlauf (Chris Clinkscales).
Great grandchildren, Mya and Zoey Zelenak, Jessie and Jarred Likins, Robbie and Devin Joachim, Colby, Mason, Wyatt and Allison Walker, Sydney, Tyler, Nathan and Avery Smith, Evan, Everitt and Easton Dressander and special great grandchildren, Kara Likins, who visited often along with Delaney and Andrew Schweihofer. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews and sisters-in-law Allene and Nancy Christy. She was predeceased by her husband, Huey; granddaughters, Lisa and Allison Smith and siblings, Irene, Charles (Stephanie) Christy, Thomas (Eileen) Christy, Robert (Marie) Christy, Phyllis Christy, Ruth (Russell) Breeze, Russell, Elizabeth and Lawrence Christy.
Martha’s family would like to acknowledge and greatly thank Ruth Ann Kollmorgen, Teresa LaParl, the staff at Mallard’s Landing and Heartland Hospice for their compassionate and loving care given to Martha. The liturgy of the Resurrection will be celebrated in Holy Cross Catholic Church, Our Lady on the River Parish, Marine City Saturday May 5th at 11:00 a.m. Her son will be the celebrant, followed by burial in Holy Cross Cemetery. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Visiting hours are Friday 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. with a rosary recital at 7:00 p.m. Additional visitation prior to mass 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. at church. Memorials may be made to the Capuchin Retreat Center, Holy Cross School or charity of donor’s choice.
To leave a message of comfort visit www. youngcolonial.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Martha Marie Christy Kessel please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation 2018 MAY 4.
02:00 PM – 08:00 PM Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home 4061 Saint Clair Hwy East China, MI, US Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before Martha’s Visitation begins. Rosary 2018 MAY 4. 07:00 PM Young Colonial Chapel Funeral Home 4061 Saint Clair Hwy East China, MI, US Order Flowers for the Rosary Guaranteed delivery before Martha’s Rosary begins.
Funeral Mass 2018 MAY 5. 11:00 AM Holy Cross Catholic Church, Our Lady on the River Parish 610 Water St. Marine city, MI, US, 48039 Order Flowers for the Funeral Mass Guaranteed delivery before Martha’s Funeral Mass begins. Cemetery Details Holy Cross Cemetery Chartier Rd.
If you found any mistakes, or you would like to add/remove to this obituary, please contact us by email: info@obituary.memorial. We never ask money for this.
