Florence Elizabeth Westerholm

Florence Elizabeth Westerholm, 96, passed away in Traverse City on May 14, 2015. She was born February 24, 1919, one of twelve children to Hilma and Arthur Lampinen in Onnela near Houghton, MI.

Florence was preceded in death by her loving husband, Alaric, in 1966 and daughter-in-law Dawn Westerholm. She is survived by her four children: son Alan (Fran) of Traverse City, daughter Susan Hickok (Edward) of Alpena, daughter Donna Nelson (Gary) of Traverse City, son Steven of Sterling Heights; and her grandchildren Scott Hickok, Sara Hickok Ariza, Lisa Hickok, Abby Hickok, Ryan Farrier, Erik Nelson, Devon Westerholm; and great granddaughter Summer Hickok. Florence is also survived by four of her siblings, Millie, Earl, Bernie, and Wesley Lampinen; and many special nieces and nephews.

Florence married the "love of her life" in 1942 and lived in Dollar Bay, MI, while Alaric attended Michigan Tech after the war. Their first move was to Milwaukee and then to Lansing, MI, where they raised their family. Widowed at 47, Florence returned to work at MSU in the Asst. Provost's office, retiring in 1984.

As a member of St. Stephen Lutheran Church in Lansing, Florence was involved in many church activities, and later joined Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City. She had a deep faith and always thought of others before herself. She was a member of the River Forest Garden Club and known as the "rose lady" for her commitment to leading their annual miniature rose fund raiser.

Florence left her many friends in Lansing 13 years ago to begin her new life at Bay Ridge in Traverse City and be closer to her children. She loved life and welcomed change, was always a very positive, forward thinking, independent woman who cherished time with her family. She enjoyed reading, music, movies, gardening, and cross country skiing. Growing up in the UP she attended a one room schoolhouse until high school and skied to school all winter from the family farm which instilled a love of the outdoors. Mom was such a good woman and will be missed dearly by her family and is now with her Alaric.

We are thankful and appreciative of the kindness and caring of Mom by the staff in the Aspen wing at the Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Arrangements are with the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home of Traverse City. There will be a private family service. In lieu of flowers those who would like to make a remembrance in Florence's name may send a memorial to Hospice of Michigan, Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City or The Grand Traverse Pavilions.

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Florence's family at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lansing State Journal on May 16, 2015.

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Funeral services provided by:

Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home

305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684

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