Marguerite Kinney

Marguerite Kinney Albion Marguerite Kinney, age 88 of South Albion passed away Friday, December 18, 2009 at her home. She was born November 3, 1921 on a farm east of Marshall to John and Hazel (Whitehead) Weers. Marguerite's mother and a number of her mother's friends started her school career by creating the first kindergarten program in the Marshall Schools. Time passed with education and growth and she graduated from Marshall High School in 1939. She then attended Argubright Business College in Battle Creek. After graduation she was employed by the Marshall Furnace Company as a purchasing agent. She worked there seven years during World War II and several years after. While she was employed she met a young farmer and was swept off her feet and married Fred Kinney in March 1948. With Fred's love of the land and Marguerite's skill with business, the farm operation was to be admired. Their farm enlarged and their son John and daughter Mary joined them, followed by Mary's husband David in their endeavor. Marguerite enjoyed her new life on the farm and found that so much was wonderful. She joined the South Albion Women's Club, D.A.R., Modern Home Economic Club, the Howell School and all the enthusiasm that went with the school, including the Howell School Community Club which was very important to her. After her children were old enough to belong to the South Albion 4-H Club it became a life long interest for Marguerite and Fred. The Cooperative Extension Organization also filled their lives. Another event that was very important for them was the great fun they had with neighbors and friends playing Pedro at the monthly meetings for over 60 years. After Fred and Marguerite married they pursued the love of the outdoor and enjoyed hunting and fishing trips to Northern Michigan, Canada and Wyoming. The years to "The Cabin" in Grayling were relaxing and inspirational. They loved to travel and made many excursions visiting dear friends while admiring the history and beauty along the way. A favorite place always drew them home. A haven created to share with family and friends "The Pond" on the Eckford farm was always ready. Marguerite was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Albion, serving as a ruling Elder and as a Deaconess. She was on the Pastor Nominating Committee and was always concerned for the life of the church and its members. Celebrating special times at church, the Paddock Hubbard House and the Blair Farm were very important to the nearly inseparable couple. Anniversaries and Birthdays always remained something to be honored and remembered. Marguerite continued on after Fred's passing to recognize these special events and enjoy everyone else's. Above all things she loved her family and is survived by her son, John Kinney; daughter, Mary Kinney Habicht; son-in-law, David Habicht; and granddaughter, Helen Habicht. She is survived by nieces and nephew, Shirley (Phil) Paskett, Barbara Rausch (Sid) Middleton, James (Jeri) Rausch; and great-nephews, Matt and Jamie Paskett, Michael and Stephen Bialkowski; great-niece, Lindsay Middleton; and great-great-nephew, Anthony Paskett. She is also survived by special cousins, Robert (Barbara) Glinstra and Charles (Carla) Whitehead, as well as cousins in Indiana and Illinois. Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 21, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church, 305 E. Porter St., Albion with Pastor John Sterner officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at Riverside Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, December 20, 2009 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Drive, Albion, MI. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Hubbard Memorial Museum Foundation in Concord, Homer Historical Society, B.E. Henry Memorial Scholarship Fund or the organization of your choice. www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com