Ernestine Viola Lake Trupiano

Ernestine Viola Lake (Gill) Trupiano Marshall Ernestine Viola Lake (Gill) Trupiano entered into glory August 10, 2009. She was born May 16, 1921 in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of Erson and Ethelynda (Morrison) Lake. One of her earliest memories was riding the Interurban from Marengo to Marshall. She was a 1938 graduate of Marshall High School and lived in the Marshall area all of her adult life. In 1941 she married Robert Gill and they had a daughter, Lynda. Like so many of his generation, he gave his life in service to his country during World War II. She became reacquainted with her second husband, Stephen Trupiano, the night he came home from the war, all decked out in his Navy uniform, at the Green Top Tavern Supper Club. He asked her to dance, and as she always said, "I danced with him because he was so nice and so happy to be home." It was the beginning of a life-long romance. They were married May 3, 1947, beginning life with a ready-made family, as she became mother to his 9 year-old daughter, Pam, and he, a father for Lynda. The family grew to seven as they had three more children, Catherine, Teresa, and William. With their young family, Ernestine and Steve spent much of their free time on their boat the True-Piano, docked at Saugatuck. They loved the water and Lake Michigan. Golf was another of her favorite pastimes. She played in the Ladies League at Marshall Country Club. Her personal hobbies included sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She made many of her own clothes, as well as clothes for her children and grandchildren. She loved playing the piano, and gave all her children the love of music. The family spent many happy evenings gathered round the piano singing. She was also in the church choir and participated in many Marshall Civic Theatre productions. As a young widow and mother during the War, she worked at the Gale Manufacturing, a true Rosie the Riveter, filing away the rough casting edges from bombsights. She also worked at the Marshall Chronicle, Sargents Florist Shop, and the Literacy Council. After her youngest were in school, Ernestine worked in the family business, Marshall Vending Company. When she and Steve sold that business, they became partners in the House of Waltman Antiques in downtown Marshall. They traveled the country doing antique shows, attending antique auctions, and sightseeing. When Mr. Trupiano died in 1986, Mrs. Trupiano began a new career as "Grandma T," a foster grandparent in the Marshall Public Schools, where she spent the next 13 years assisting elementary children not just in schoolwork but in understanding life sharing their joys and helping them deal with their sorrows. Over the course of her life she was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, served as president of the Auxiliary, and was among those who cooked many a dinner to pay for the Marshall (Post 4073) building. She was also a member of the Rosary and Altar Society of St. Mary's Church, the Marshall Country Club, the Marshall Chorus, the Marshall Civic, and the Marshall Historical Society. She is survived by her children: Pam and Rolland Smith of Lake City, Lynda Kenyon of Marshall, Cathy and Bill Brodie of Monroe, Terri and Dave Barry of Hastings, and Bill and Mary Trupiano of Battle Creek. She has ten grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother Lynwood Morrison of Battle Creek. Family was always important to her and she raised her children to love God, country, family and friends. She had a wonderful ability to make each person she met feel special. She will be sorely missed for her sharp wit, good common sense, and ability to see the good in everyone. Visitation will take place at the Craig K. Kempf Funeral Home on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. with family present from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. with a rosary service taking place at 6 p.m. A Funeral Mass celebrating her life and her Lord will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday at Saint Mary Catholic Church with Reverend Father Stephan Naas officiating. Interment will follow at Saint Mary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Mary Catholic Church or to the Marshall Civic. Assistance with memorials is available at the Kempf Funeral Home. Leave a personal message for the family and sign the online guest book at www.kempffuneralhome.com