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Martha Parfet Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Martha Parfet
Sponsored by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care - Richland Chapel.
Kathy Andes
February 24, 2017
With sincere sympathy, I am saddened to hear of Martha's passing. I had just mentioned Martha to a friend yesterday who had recently relocated to Cleveland from Michigan. My family and I have also just recently returned to Cleveland from Boston where we have lived for the past 18 years. As I reminisced about my many trips to Michigan as a youngster Greenfield Village, tours of the Kellogg's Factory, etc. I was also reminded of Martha and Gilmore Brother's Department Stores. I was the store manager for The Acorn in Rocky River, OH just prior to moving to Boston in 1998. I had met Martha on more than one occasion. Not a surprise that Martha was a graduate of Dana Hall. She was absolutely lovely, a very special lady. She obviously made a lasting impression on me. This morning I was inspired to google Gilmore Brothers and was pleased to find the story about Martha's book chronicling her incredible family history, but I was also stunned to find that she had passed away just this week. I am so sorry for your loss. May Martha's family and friends be comforted by many cherished memories. Wishing you peace.
Scott Rednor
February 24, 2017
Deepest condolences to your family from ours. So sorry for your loss. Hope to see you all soon.
Lynda Stewart
February 20, 2017
I worked for Martha and Ted at Wings Stadium in 1999, as "Slappy" their mascot. They then leased the stadium to another hockey team owner from MN. That owner wanted "slappy to be aggressive , I had nothing to do with that, I am a lover, not a fighter (in costume) ha ha.. Ted bought Tee shirts , that said Slappy New Year on them and had me throw them out on New Years Eve. He then decided to take back the stadium. I had the chance to meet them at the airport as they were flying out somewhere. I said to Martha, hello, I work for you, I am your mascot Slappy. She replied "we love you" from that day on, when ever they were at a game, I would shake Ted's hand and kiss "with my big beak "Martha's hand. I had a big colorful trout I would carry around on the ice with me, his name was Teddy the trout. I miss these beautiful people. They have done wonders for Kalamazoo. Wings Stadium will never be the same with out them. My thought's go out to the family, and all they have touched over the years.
Larry Moss
February 20, 2017
Our sympathies to the Parfet family
Lisa Hibner
February 23, 2017
Deepest sympathies from the family of Allen and Lisa Hibner. We were related through ancestry, and appreciate Martha's work in preserving our shared heritage.
Peter Slater
February 23, 2017
Martha was a beautiful person who treated everyone the same regardless of their standing in Life...she was a very special lady
Chilly and Laurie Smith
February 23, 2017
Laurie and I would like to send our love and prayers to all of Martha's family. We are sadden of the news of Martha's passing and will miss her dearly.
We will always cherish the times we shared with Martha on the beach in Harbor Springs.
May all your fond memories of Martha help you through this most difficult time.
God Bless!
Chilly & Laurie
Amanda Bradshaw
February 22, 2017
So sad
Joseph Baldwin
February 22, 2017
Sorry for your loss
Amanda Bradshaw
February 22, 2017
I remember her sitting and the kwings games her and Ted where wonderful people she will be missed.
Peter Roudebush
February 22, 2017
LaWanda and I were privileged to be part of the family and friends group that Martha spoke to the night she unveiled the copies of the family history. She did such a wonderful job in both speaking about the book and all of the relationships. Ray "Ted" Parfet was my cousin and his mother, Marian, was my great-Aunt. Our children, my siblings, and we have enjoyed and benefitted from that family history. We truly regret that we will be unable to attend the funeral service, but our hearts and prayers will be with all of you. We just learned of the service earlier this evening when we saw the email from Mary Corcoran. LaWanda has been ill with vertigo this week and cannot travel right now. We are very grateful to have known Martha for many years and shall miss her. However, we know she is not suffering and is re-united with her loved ones in heaven. We hope that many hugs will be given to Don, Ann, and Chip on our behalf. May God bless and be with each of you.
Catherine Virgo Marshall
February 22, 2017
Bill, Don, Sally, Janet, and families,
you have my deepest sympathy. Her huge love of family, friends, neighbors, and nature taught us all so very much. I hold such great memories of the good times in Kalamazoo with you all.
Jillian Green
February 22, 2017
I had the honor & privilege of working with Martha as her assistant at the Acorn corporate office. She was the first person to show me what true leadership is. I believe it requires humility & Martha exemplified this quality. She wanted to do what was best for her community without the praise or recognition. We'll never fully know the scope of her contributions, as she made many anonymously. But she has undoubtedly shaped our community through her benevolence, helping to make it the amazing place it is & that I'm grateful to call home. I personally benefit from her involvement in the creation of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, a place of sanctuary that I visit frequently. I also was a recipient of services & served on the YWCA board, both were life-changing experiences. Martha was a crucial supporter of the YWCA, along with many of her family members. The list goes on. Like her grandfather W.E. Upjohn, she had the heart of a philanthropist. Martha is the reason I'm compelled to give back to my community, she planted the seed of philanthropy in my heart. Regardless of our financial means, we can *all* contribute to a kinder, more welcoming community that provides opportunities for all. Now more than ever, our world needs more Marthas!
Her relationship with Ted also inspired me greatly. They were childhood friends & that friendship was obvious after decades of marriage, they were the sweetest couple! I remember her saying, "Marriage isn't 50/50, it's 60/60". It filled my heart to see them together & served as a template for a healthy, reciprocal relationship. Thank you Martha for being a living example of kindness, fairness, justice, integrity, selflessness & hope. I'm a better person for having known you. My sincere, heartfelt condolences to Martha's family, may you find peace in knowing her tremendous legacy lives on.
Shawn and Nancy Hagen
February 22, 2017
Martha taught us well how the lead and care for others in many ways. Her vision to build the community and preserve nature will continue on.
A great person the will be missed by all
Janet Tad Beck
February 22, 2017
I am so sorry. She will be sorely missed. I discussed horses with her at Aunt Mary's birthday party. I am Janet Upjohn's eldest.
Kristi Lloyd
February 21, 2017
Her light shall shine on.
K. D.
February 21, 2017
Goodbyes are for those love with their eyes.
Because those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation .
Norman (Gil) Bristol
February 21, 2017
After Kalamazoo's Tornado of 1980, I became the proud owner or Mart Parfet's 1973 Pontiac Luxury LeMans, better known as the Mustard Monster. It survived the tornado and I bought it for salvage value: $235. It got me through graduate school and I junked it way too long after it had become a rusty embarrassment.
As my dad told the story, and there might even be some truth to it, when Ted bought the car for Mart, he had it painted with two garish racing strips running down the hood, mostly as a joke. A few years later when the Mustard Monster need repainting, Ted offered to have the racing strips removed. But Mart loved them and insisted that they be repainted, too. I'm grateful that she had such a lovely sense of humor and that I got to enjoy them, too.
Barbara Van Fulpen
February 21, 2017
I remember when I took care of Granny, Martha was so kind to me. When dinner was served we all ate together, it didn't matter who you were, you joined the family at the dinning room table. Such a gracious family. So sorry for your loss.
Linda Wisser-Fox
February 21, 2017
Martha's Family members: My heart felt sympathy to everyone of you. What a wonderful women. I had the honor to meet her and Ted when working as an off-ice official for the K-Wing hockey team. The last few years I have had the joy of meeting other family member through organizations in the community and the Sherman Lake YMCA. Just a great, giving, caring and community minded family. Everyone of you are in my prayers. Love and God Bless, Linda Wisser-Fox
Roxanne Rewalt-Fluent
February 21, 2017
I use to go to Martha's house on short Road as a child in the early 60's. I lived on Wheaton Avenue and we would Trick or Treat. The family was so kind and even let us slide on the hills in their yard in the Winter. Martha made the world a better place. Thanks for the memories sweetheart. Roxanne Fluent-Traverse City, Michigan.
Nehdi MA
February 21, 2017
I met the lady for the first time and I can say she was a great human being. She was very engaging, funny sense of humor and curious with a big smile in her face. She made me feel very comfortable at a table full of people I never met before. Thank you Martha for that wonderful introduction to your lovely family.
Mary Haskin
February 21, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the Parfet family. I didn't know Martha for very long but am so glad I had the pleasure of meeting her. I had the wonderful experience of working with her and a great team of woman to bring Martha's book, "Keep the Quality Up" to life. Meeting many times with Martha throughout the process of making that book was the highlight of my year. She would always greet us with a big smile and a hug at her door and another when we left. When sitting around her kitchen table to discuss the details to the book, her eyes danced with love as she spoke of the family members of the present and the past. I will never forget her and treasure the memories of my short time with her.
Lori Andrews
February 21, 2017
An amazing woman. I am blessed to have known her.
Dick Stap
February 21, 2017
Martha [and Ted] were two of my favorite clients. I always looked forward to walking the grounds a few times a year with Martha to discuss the landscape and a lot of other things also. It was fun. Those times will always be remembered. Deepest sympathy for all the Parfets and their families.
Dick Stap
February 21, 2017
Our sincere condolences to you and your family
Lou Anne Galinet and family
Judy Markusse Paget
February 21, 2017
Dear Family -
My deepest sympathy on your loss. Martha Parfet's spirit is part of the fabric of this great community. She will be amongst us, forever.
Jack and Joanne Lawrence
February 21, 2017
Dear Bill, Don and all the family. I have known and admired Martha all my life and we have gotten to know her much closer in recent years. She was a lovely and remarkable lady who contributed to all around her. We send our sympathy to you all.
Joanne and Jack Lawrence
Gene McCarthy
February 21, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Bill and Don, my "old" sailing friends.
Linda Czapla
February 21, 2017
Dear family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. Mrs. Pareft was an amazing woman. Your mother (your family) have touched so many, in such positive ways for so many years. The effect has been lasting and immeasurable for our community and our citizens. In admiration and thanks, my heart goes out to you for your loss. Lin Czapla
Kimberly Earnshaw
February 21, 2017
Gone From Sight by Henry Van Dyke.
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, "There, she is gone."
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me -- not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, "There, she is gone,"
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, "Here she comes!"
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a beautiful woman,
Sheri Masters
February 21, 2017
Please accept my deepest sympathy, I am so very sad. I knew Martha only the last 3 years, and I really loved her. She was funny, kind and she brightened my day every time I saw her. A genuine, beautiful soul will be sorely missed on this Earth.
dick boris
February 21, 2017
A gracious, caring woman, who will be missed by all.
DD
February 21, 2017
My deepest sympathy to your family at such a difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find some comfort and peace from the God of all comfort.
Ken & Michelle Bowditch
February 21, 2017
Deepest sympathy to the Parfet family. A great lady that will truly be missed.
David Rhine
February 20, 2017
Growing up I worked for Mrs. Partet's parents in Harbor Springs, MI. Mr. and Mrs. Parfet were of course frequent guests. Kalamazoo is so very fortunate to have the Gilmores and Upjohns as residents. Truly special and generous....she will be missed.
Jim Woodman
February 20, 2017
Martha, you have touched the lives of many, for which we are truly blessed. Your generiousty, compassion and enduring ways have made us
all, much the better. If one's success is judged by the number of friends, then you have been most
successful. I shall forever treasure your warm heart and memories of our times shared together.
May God's blessings be with your family.
Loving regards,
Jim Woodman
& family
Anne Couture
February 20, 2017
What a woman! I was honored to get to know Martha Parfet while serving as the President of the Gull Lake Quality Organization. Martha was a founding member, who led the successful effort to establish a sewer system around Gull Lake in the early 70's. Having been an environmental professional for almost 40 years, I can attest to Martha's vision and foresight in leading this transformational effort. Her passion for the environment has left a permanent legacy of water quality protection and enhancement for Gull Lake. My sympathy to her beloved grandchildren, including Syd, Rachel, and Emily, and to Ann, her daughter-in-law. You were blessed to be part of her family and her life, and I know her legacy and passion will live on in all of you, and in all who were lucky enough to have known her. Godspeed, Martha.
Mr. Kim "Mac" MacKellar Formerly of Kalamazoo
February 20, 2017
Kalamazoo's loss is Heaven's gain. Martha was the epitome of a philanthropist.
Mike VanBuren
February 20, 2017
Sympathies and prayers to the family and friends of Mrs. Parfet. So sorry to hear of her passing.
Craig and Mary Jbara
February 20, 2017
Our deepest sympathy in the passing of Martha. She was a vibrant, caring and spirited woman who used her life to the fullest in helping others and the community. Her love of family and nature was apparent whenever you were around her. We have always thought of her with the highest regard.
Blessings to the family at this difficult time.
Suzanne Trenkle
February 20, 2017
Sincere condolences to all of Martha's friends and family. She was a very important part of this community, and very humble about her contributions.
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