Elizabeth Hosking Binda

Elizabeth Hosking Binda Battle Creek Elizabeth Hosking Binda, 93, of Battle Creek, died at her residence, with family, friends and caregivers at her side on Wednesday, August 5, 2009. Elizabeth was born in Hancock, Michigan to William and Myrtle (Gray) Hosking on March 16, 1916. Elizabeth was raised in Calumet, MI, where she was a 1933 graduate of Calumet High School. She received her Bachelors Degree in Education from Northern Michigan University. Elizabeth was a 1937 recipient of a scholarship to the University of Michigan, where she earned her Masters Degree in Education in 1938. She taught in East Lansing, Central Washington College and Northern Michigan University 1938-1946. She came to Battle Creek in 1946 and joined the Battle Creek Public Schools as a Consultant in Elementary Education, retiring in 1950. Elizabeth Hosking was united in marriage to Guido A. Binda on July 2, 1949. She was preceded in death by Guido, her husband of 49 years. She is survived by her brother, W. Howard (Marilyn) Hosking of Calumet, MI; by three nephews, John (Elizabeth "Bunny") Hosking of Battle Creek, MI, James (Debra) Hosking of Ceresco, MI and Robert (Cheryl) Binda of Boise, ID; by two nieces, Lauren (James) Binda Anderson of Athens, GA, Bianca (Bob Bowker) Pino of Los Angeles, CA; and eight grand nieces and nephews. Elizabeth was a member of the First Congregational Church. After 27 years as a member of the Board of Directors of Kellogg Community College, Elizabeth received tenure and the Kellogg Community Campus Theatre is named after her. Among her many contributions as a board member, she assisted in the creation of the Gold Key Scholarship at Kellogg Community College. She also gave her time, talent and personal financial support to Battle Creek Town Hall, the Battle Creek Symphony, the Irving Gilmore Keyboard Festival and Binder Park Zoo. With her husband, Guido, Elizabeth founded the philanthropic Guido A. and Elizabeth H. Binda Foundation in 1977 to focus on grants for education, the arts, human services and environmental education. She was awarded the Battle Creek Enquirer George Award for developing the Calhoun County Reading Council. Elizabeth was a lay member of the State Bar Grievance Committee; was an elected attendee of the White House Conference on Education; and assisted in the development of the United Arts Council. Elizabeth was a Charter Member of the Battle Creek Community Foundation Board of Directors, with more than 25 years of service. Elizabeth was an original board member on the Miller College Board of Directors; Miller College presented her with an Honorary Doctorate of Education. She was chosen as Scene Magazine's 2001 Woman of the Year. Elizabeth was an avid reader, had a passion for learning and enjoyed taking trips with Guido. A memorial service will be officiated by Rev. Thomas J. Ott, 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at the First Congregational Church, 145 Capital Avenue N.E., Battle Creek, MI 49017. The family will receive friends at a reception following the service, in the church courtyard. Private inurnment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kellogg Community College Foundation Scholarship Fund, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017 or the Miller College General Scholarship Fund, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Arrangements are by Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.