Veronica Aldridge

ALDRIDGE, VERONICA, 61, of Midland, MI died Friday morning, February 11, 2005. Veronica is survived by her husband, Ronald Aldridge; siblings, James (Mary Ann) Dowling, Martin Dowling, Dennis (Rita) Dowling, Steve (Marlene) Dowling, David (Judy) Dowling, Maryann Dowling, Christopher (Mary) Dowling, Timothy Dowling, Patrick Dowling, Gregory (Diana) Dowling, Jo Ellen (Mike) Bartels, Beth (Mark) Landosky, and Paul Dowling; brother-in-law, Jack Beeman; children, Christopher (Pamela) Janson of Jupiter, FL, Nils (Mariagladys) Janson of Vienna, VA, Leif Janson of Waves, NC, and Natasha Janson of Williamsburgh, VA; stepchildren, Eric (Joanna) Aldridge of Traverse City, Amy Aldridge and fiance, Jeff Brinson of Traverse City; grandchildren, Nils Antonio Janson, Alexandra Janson, and Crede Janson; mother-in- law, Peggy Janson of Panama City, Panama; brothers and sisters-in-law, Brittmarie Perez, Carl Janson, Michael Janson, Pachita de Janon, Ricky Janson, Peter Janson, and Francis Carrillo; and many nieces, nephews and grand nieces and nephews. Veronica (Roni) was the fourth of 14 children born to Martin and Eva Dowling on December 13, 1943. Through her strength, joy, and care for others, she is remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, sister-in- law, aunt, cousin, friend and colleague. She lived a life of great courage, discovery and dedication to family, friends and the less fortunate. She radiated a positive spirit and joy to all who had the great fortune to know her. Reared in Midland, she lived in Panama, FL, and SC. As the oldest sister in the family she lent many a hand in the upbringing of her siblings. At 20 years of age, she joined the Peace Corps and went to serve in a small town in Panama. During her life, she excelled in her dedication to others through positions with Legal Aid, the Girl Scouts, Hospice, Meals on Wheels, and Seniors First. While raising four children on her own and working full time, she earned a Master's Degree while always present at soccer games, plays, concerts, and anywhere her children needed her. Most recently, she moved back to Midland to spend more time with her siblings and rediscover her hometown. She was blessed to find love in a second marriage. She was a person with an incredibly adventuresome spirit and a gift for making others feel cherished and special. Many thought of her as their favorite aunt, best friend, and the best person to go to for advice and comfort. She loved traveling, spending long hours in conversation and laughter, reveling in the beauty of nature, and playing with her grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews. Thanks to her, we go forward with great confidence, respect and joy. A memorial service will take place at 1PM from the New Life Vineyard Church, 1014 East Ashman Street, on Monday, February 14, 2005. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Midland and can be sent to the Aldridge family care of Ware- Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors, 1200 W. Wheeler St, Midland, MI 48640. You may also share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.waresmithwoolever.com.