Obituary of Charlotte Grummel

Every life tells a story and this is mine. Written by Charlotte Grummel Charlotte B. (Smith) Grummel, also known as "Brownie" to many, was born on December 28, 1923 at home in Newport, Michigan. I was a twin; my sister's name was Shirley. Shirley died when she was seven weeks old, but because we were identical and the only difference between us was our complexion, I being the one with the darker complexion, was given the nickname of "Brownie", and that's how many of you came to know me as such. I also had one brother and two sisters. I attended school to the 8th grade in a one room school house. My first job was at Mercy Memorial Hospital (when it was run by the nuns) as a Nurse's Aide. At the age of 21 years old, my mother became ill and I took care of her until her passing. In that era, taking care of family was the only way. During World War II I worked at the bomber plant. On February 7, 1948 I married George J Grummel. We had three children, two sons; Gary and David and a daughter Judy. During the 1960's I was a cook's helper at Niedermieir School in Newport, Michigan. The cook was my sister in law, Emily Hoffman. Myself and the janitor, Mr. Bondy, banded together and made sure even if a student didn't have lunch money as was hungry, we fed them!! In my lifetime I have always crochet or knitted. I taught my daughter to do both by the time she was five years old. Over the course of a lifetime, I have crochet and knitted many afghans, baby sweater outfits (which each one of my grandchildren and great grandchildren had one at the time of their birth. My biggest accomplishment was becoming a member of the "Happy Hookers" crochet group at the Frenchtown Senior Center. My participation in this was contributing numerous afghans for the homebound, veterans, and the homeless. Also many, many hats, gloves, mittens, scarfs for the Salvation Army Christmas Tree. What a true joy it's been to belong and get to know each and every one of the "Happy Hookers". Another group I have totally enjoyed has been "The Ladies Card Group". Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm, Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie in state from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am, Friday, February 7, 2014 at Zion Lutheran Church, 186 Cole Road. Pastors Ulrich and Tryggestad will officiate and procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial. Memorials are suggested to The Humane Society of Monroe County or St. Judes. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or send a floral arrangement by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.