OBITUARIES
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Georgina Dowling
Resided in Gladstone, MI
Died October 1, 2004
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Georgina (Soderstrom) Dowling, 95, passed away with her children by her Side on Oct 1, 2004 at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, Michigan. Georgina was born Viola Georgina Williamson on June 30, 1909 in Gladstone,daughter of the late Alex and Alina (Mattson) Williamson.
She spent her early childhood in Gladstone. Her family then moved to Osier where she lived until the age of 13 when she left to work as a housemaid for prominent Gladstone families. It was during this time that a butter and egg delivery man, Henry Soderstrom, caught her eye and was captured by her offers of fresh baked chocolate chip cookies. Now in her mid-twenties, she married “Hank” on Christmas Day, 1934. They resided in Gladstone until 1941 when their oldest daughter was struck by a car and “Hank” was then able to convince her that his parent’s farm in Perkins was a much safer place to raise their children. After 2 years there, they purchased the farm and made it their livelihood and home until they retired in 1966. The next several years were spent wintering in Florida and Texas, while returning to summer in Michigan with family and friends. Winters out-of-state ended with Henry’s death in 1993. Georgina then to moved Gladstone. There, she later married Charles Dowling, at the age of 82. She was widowed again in 1999 and continued to live in Gladstone until she was admitted to Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba in January of 2002.
Gina was a member of the First Lutheran Church of
Gladstone. In prior Years she served as a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Perkins through her work in the Ladies Aid, as organist and Sunday School teacher. She was long remembered by workers at the Perkins farm for the delicious meals served at harvest time. She was a long time member of a ladies group called the Kit Kats who met for sewing, crafts and friendship. She loved to dance and play cards, but fishing was her passion and she took every opportunity offered to enjoy the sport with her family and friends.
Georgina is survived by her children Lois Holm and Beverley (Larry) Williams of Albuquerque, Sandra (Norman) Boutilier of Gladstone and William (Sally)Soderstrom of Rapid River. Survivors also include her step-children, William(Kay ) Dowling of Grand Ledge, MI, “Chuck” (Shirley) Dowling of Escanaba,Paul (Lucy) Dowling of Fond du Lac, WI, Tom (Debra) Dowling of DeWitt, MI, Martha (Paul) Schmidt of Sebewaing, MI, Joanne (Keith) Strum of Pigeon, Mich., and Ann (Ed) Dowling of Sunol, CA. She is also survived by her brother, Willard (Elaine) Williamson of Escanaba and several nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Nora Williamson, Evelyn Belongie and Irene Sepic; also, a brother, George Williamson, a grandson, Steve Soderstrom, and great grandson Aiden Mollica. Gina’s family will receive friends on Sunday, Oct. 3 at the First
Lutheran Church in Gladstone from 3:00-5:00 PM. Funeral services celebrating the life of Georgina will follow at 5:00 PM with Rev. James Holmberg of Immanuel Lutheran Church officiating. A luncheon will follow at the First Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall. Burial will be in the Gardens of Rest Cemetery. |
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