Rachel Elizabeth Winslow

Rachel Elizabeth (Kearns) Winslow, 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at Cascades Senior Living in Midland. Rachel was born October 18, 1915 in Reed City, Michigan to Patrick and Gertrude (Kurtz) Kearns. On December 20, 1933 she married Willard Francis Winslow in Bay City. They enjoyed sixty one years of marriage. After completing the eighth grade at the age fifteen, Rachel moved to Midland. In 1971, when she was fifty six, she graduated from high school through the Continuing Adult Education program. She then worked for the department for seventeen years helping others to improve their futures through education. Rachel valued education and fervently encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue their goals. She received her Associates Degree from Delta College at the age of eighty and was honored as a guest speaker at her commencement. She continued with classes toward a second degree until mobility issues prevented her from attending. She was only five classes short of her degree in Criminal Justice.

Rachel also greatly loved music and was self taught on the piano, organ, accordion and harmonica. She followed her children's musical accomplishments with pride. She was involved with Midland's Little League program from its inception in 1949 until the early 1970's and held several offices. Rachel always enjoyed watching her boys play ball and is remembered by many having not missed one of their games. She was a faithful fan of the Detroit Tigers and knew the game well. She and Willard also never missed a Dow AC's game. Rachel was the secretary of the Midland Speed Skating Club during the 1970s and was a loyal speed skating fan.

Rachel was active in school functions and PTA and was named Woman of the Year by the Zonta Club. When she was in her 80s she began taking art classes at the Midland Center for the Arts. In her free time she enjoyed painting, writing poems, crossword puzzles, crocheting, and growing African violets. Willard and Rachel also enjoyed their cottage on Secord Lake.

Her children include Rachel Ann Dehn, David (Mary) Winslow, Dallas (Companion, Kathy Compton) Winslow, Douglas (Helen) Winslow, Bruce (Sue) Winslow, and Wayne (Cindy) Winslow, all of Midland, Kay (Frank) Kennett of Secord Lake, Dean (Mary) Winslow of N. Ridgeville, Ohio, and Lynn (Maureen) Winslow of Lansing. She is also survived by 24 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Willard in 1995; one sister Gertrude Tracy; brothers Nicholas, Patrick, Robert and Ambrose Kearns; her grandchildren Kaleen Kennett and Bruce and Sue's twin son and daughter; and by son-in-law William Dehn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, March 28, 2009 from the Cardinal Hickey Hall at St. Brigid of Kildare Catholic Church with Father Jose Cabrera and Deacon Aloysius J. Oliver as celebrants. The Rite of Committal will follow in Midland City Cemetery. Visitation will be at the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home on Friday from noon until 8:00 pm and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of Mass. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Midland Speed Skating Club or the Midland Center for the Arts. Personal messages of support for the family may be offered at www.wilson-miller.com