June Young

June Birdsley Young, our greatly loved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 7, 2021, surrounded by her family.  We rejoice that Mom is at peace in body and spirit in the presence of her Lord and Savior, and trust that our memories will help fill the empty place left in our hearts and lives.

Born in St. Johns, MI on June 20, 1925 to Earl C. and Beryl Pilmore Birdsley, Mom graduated from Rodney B. Wilson High School in 1942.  On July 24, 1943, she married Robert G. Young and shortly thereafter moved to the Young family farm in Essex Township.  Here she lived for the next 78 years, raising her family, farming, gardening, baking, cooking, sewing, volunteering, and from time to time working outside the home.  At a time when her children were reaching self-sufficiency and she could have looked forward to some “me” time, Mom went to work for the U.S. Postal Service in Lansing, retiring after 15 years.

Mom’s loving caretaking included her immediate and extended family, her church, and her community.  She provided hours and years of emotional support and physical labor as her children constructed dwellings to create homes of their own.  She was a lifelong member of the St. Johns Church of God, volunteered as a Gray Lady, and enjoyed spending time at the family cabin in Harrison, traveling, attending tractor shows and quilt shows, camping, reading, genealogy, and spending time with her growing family.

Among the few remaining practitioners of the art of tatting, Mom created many beautiful decorative pieces and yards of beautiful lace, much of which she incorporated into her great passion, quilting.  She made dozens of quilts which she donated to various charities and gifted to family and friends.  The cookie jar in the center of the kitchen counter, kept filled with her trademark banana/oatmeal/chocolate chip cookies, was often the first stop for any kids, grands, great-grands, neighbors and visitors.  If you didn’t take one on the way in, Mom made sure you had one before leaving.

Her grandchildren were always welcome. Even if she was busy baking or sewing, “Grandma” found ways to include her young visitors whenever they stopped by. No one was ever a bother. She was ever kind and never judgmental if a grandchild made a mistake, in sewing, baking, or even in life decisions.

Mom was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Robert (in 2004), infant daughter Sharon, sisters Jean Vitous and Gayla Walters, and brother Arden (Jack) Birdsley.  She is survived by her children: Sarah Young, William E. and Mary Ann Young, Peggy and Rich Tupper, Mark and Brenda Young, Kevin and Kathy Young, and Scott and Brenda Young; grandchildren: Sue (Mark) Nelson, Bobbie Jo (Matt) Kemp, Jamie Paksi (Orion Phillips), Tina (Nick) Dean, Jason (Bailey Fortuna) Young, Aaron (Allison) Young, and Kari Young (Collin Macintosh); and great-grandchildren: Connor Nelson, Emily, Jacob, Levi and Isaac Kemp, Braden Leightner and Evan Paksi, and Aubree and Orion Dean; her sister Shirley Birdsley; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.

The family is deeply indebted to the Compassus hospice team who filled the final months of Mom’s life journey with love, laughter, kindness, dignity and compassionate care.  Each of you became part of our family and for that we are forever grateful.

In keeping with her generous and loving spirit, Mom requested that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be to the American Cancer Society, St. Johns Church of God, the Basic Needs Center (St. Johns), or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Visitation will take place at the Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 from 4-8 pm.  In following guidelines the family requests that masks be worn.  A Private Funeral Service will be held on March 10, 2021. The service will be available to view on the Smith Family Funeral Home Facebook page.  Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com   The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes – Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, MI.