Name: Visitation for Dr. Vicki Ellen Chessin
Start: 2019-08-25T17:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-08-25T19:00:00.000Z
Location: Doig Chapel at Masonic Pathways

Dr. Vicki Ellen Chessin, 68, of Alma, MI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, August 5, 2019. A Memorial Service celebrating Vicki's life will be held at the Doig Chapel at Masonic Pathways, 1200 Wright Ave, in Alma on Sunday, August 25, 2019. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. prior to the service. The service will begin at 3 p.m. Vicki was born in Lakewood, OH on June 4, 1951, the daughter of Hyman and Betty Ann (Ptak) Chessin. Vicki graduated from Albion College in 1973 with a major in biology. She received her M.D. from MSU College of Human Medicine in 1977. Vicki married Duane J. Powell on March 21, 1981, at Dunning Memorial Chapel at Alma College. Their daughter Lane Chessin Powell was born in June 1989. They enjoyed 35 years of marriage. Vicki was a physician at Gratiot Family Practice in Alma for 36 years. Over the years, Vicki served on the boards of Gratiot Community Hospital, the Gratiot County Community Foundation, and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Michigan in Mt. Pleasant. Vicki was passionate about social activism, particularly in the areas of women’s health and reproductive freedom, the environment, and civil rights and civil liberties. She loved traveling and bird watching, and embraced Duane’s adventurous hobbies, including scuba diving, boating, and dirt bike riding. Vicki is survived by her daughter Lane and her son-in-law Noah Klugman. She is also survived by her siblings: Wendy Chessin, Roger Chessin and his wife Freda, and Russell Chessin. Vicki was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Duane. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in Vicki's memory to: the ACLU of Michigan (www.aclumich.org); Planned Parenthood (www.plannedparenthood.org); or the Powell Chessin Gratiot County Science Education Fund - Gratiot County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 248, Ithaca, MI 48847. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes in St. Louis, MI. Online condolences may be left for the family at:

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Published by Morning Sun from Aug. 6 to Aug. 7, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Vicki Chessin

Sponsored by themorningsun.com.

16 Entries

Christine Currie

January 20, 2021

She was my doctor for 40 years. I love her as a doctor and as woman. She had pictures of her families in the room at the place she worked at. May God comfort her daughter, relatives and friends.

Dr Susan Moore

Susan Grace Moore

January 7, 2020

Dr. Chessin was one of the best doctors that I've had the privilege to train with. She interviewed me four times before she offered me the position to work alongside her at Gratiot Family Practice. She will be missed; she was loved. I pray That her family is comforted by the fact that Dr. Chessin freely shared her knowledge with her colleagues and her patients, in order to improve and enrich their lives.

Linda Huntoon

August 23, 2019

Vicki was my doctor most of my life and during all three of my pregnancy's . The birth of my second son was difficult . He was born with multiple abnormalities . She stood by my side holding my hand and crying with me after his delivery. Her compassion helped me through that difficult time and many others that followed . I am a stronger person today because of her. I truly miss her.

Tina Jacobs

August 20, 2019

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Vicki. She was my doctor when I was pregnant for both my sons, and delivered my second son. She was our family doctor until we moved in 1999. Vicki was an incredible, caring, compassionate doctor and person. I admired her greatly. She touched many lives and leaves a wonderful legacy of love. I send my thoughts and prayers to her family. Blessings, Tina Jacobs

Tammy Vaughn

August 20, 2019

I talked to Vicki a few times. I didn't know her but my condolences to her family.

Linda Oswald

August 8, 2019

Am saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Chessin. She was my parents long time doctor. She was always kind and listened. In fact she came to our house to visit my father the week before he died in 2013. That was the kind of person she was. My condolences to her family.

Adrian Baumgardner

August 7, 2019

Dr. Chessin was a remarkable woman. Enjoyed conversing with her when Lane was a student in our program at Central Michigan University Opportunity for Talent Development. Alma and the community around Alma have lost a very wonderful person. My condolences to Lane and family. Adrian Baumgardner

Jana Toews

August 7, 2019

Dr. Chessin was our family doctor for about 30 years, and we always felt comfortable with her and really missed her when she retired. I always felt she took time to listen and was interested in other aspects of our lives besides health isssues. She was an awesome doctor!

Gary McGillis

August 7, 2019

Dr.Chessin will always have a special place in my wife and I's hearts. She saved my daughter's life when she was 18 months old.We brought her to Alma hospital because she was very congested and basically diaphragm breathing, Dr. Chessin was there and asked if she had ever been tested for asthma.We told her that the doctor we had said she was too young to test, she said that wasn't true, she tested her, confirmed it in fact was asthma, she gave her the medication and it opened her lungs and she started breathing normally again.I hope that her family reads this and takes comfort in knowing that Vicki Chessin was a lifesaving hero in our eyes and hearts, may she rest in the arms of God.

Monna J Reiff

August 6, 2019

Dear Lane and Noah and Vicki's siblings,
As a young girl I was a patient of Vicki's. I appreciated her very much and always knew she cared about me personally. She was a very gentle, kind, compassionate and thorough Dr. I enjoyed going to her for help because I knew she would do her best to help in whatever way she could. She was and still is my favorite Dr. After I got married and moved away I knew I wouldn't find another Dr like her. Several years ago I was privileged to go with my mother to her appointment with Vicki. I was glad to see her again. She always helped her best. You as a family have my sincere sympathies in your loss. May God hold you all tight in the palm of His hand and comfort you. If you remain true and trust Him, He will take you to meet her again someday. May God bless you all. I'm praying for you! Sincerely,

Bernice and Marion Grover

August 6, 2019

We were one of Dr.chessin's first patience. She was so helpful and sweet. She knew how to make you comfortable. She will greatly missed by all who knew her. God be with all her family and Lane and husband.

Lori Kienitz

August 6, 2019

Wonderful woman and doctor. She was awesome with my parents, and truly cared about them. Condolences to her family.

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results