Regenia "Jeanie" Compere
Alice Anna Steinbach
of Chelsea, Michigan, age 88, died on Monday, September 26, 2022. She was born November 11, 1933, in Bangor, Michigan, the daughter of Louis Blake and Evelyn (Root) Bregger.
Alice attended Bangor Schools with her two brothers, Don and Allan, and two sisters, Doris Finn and Lois Verdonk, all of whom preceded her in death. She graduated from Bangor High School in 1951. Alice earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Education, a master’s degree from EMU, and in later years, a specialist degree from the University of Michigan. Continuing education was a focus for Alice. She was always attending summits, conventions, meetings, and outreach classes.
Norma Jean Lawrence
Of Dexter, Michigan, age 89, passed away Thursday, October 6, 2022, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. She was born November 25, 1932, in Lake City, MI, the daughter of Eugene Raymond and Evelyn (LaDouceur) Young.
Norma grew up in Dexter, graduating from Dexter High School in 1951. She attended Cleary College, earning a secretarial degree. Norma worked at Cooper Dental for many years before retiring. She was a member of the First Congregational Church of Chelsea. Norma enjoyed bowling, and bowled in a ladies league in Dexter. She loved to read, playing on her iPad, antiquing, dancing, and traveling with her sister, Eva. She enjoyed making crafts which she gave to her family.
Sandra Lee (Knoll) Wilkinson
of Saline, Michigan, 72, died on October 4, peacefully at work, surrounded by her beloved coworkers. Sandy was born January 14, 1950, to Donald Robert Knoll and Alice Mae (Hayward) Knoll in Stockbridge, MI. During her 72 years, many lives were changed for the better as a result of Sandy’s kindness, warmth, and selflessness.
No one can speak to this quite as accurately and affectionately as Sandy’s best friend and daughter, Elizabeth (Lizz) Wilkinson. Sandy and Lizz were inseparable. They spent a lifetime going to comedy shows, art exhibits, and concerts, and delighting in each other’s company in times of hardship and joy. They had a mutual love of experimenting with new recipes and wine pairings, which inspired their baked goods pop-up, The Sconey Island. They filled their beautifully entwined lives with finishing The New York Times crossword in pen, event planning, movie nights, excessive reading, true crime podcasts, museum visits, as well as dreaming and scheming for a bright future. Not unlike their bond, Sandy’s garden benefited from her nurturing heart and commitment. She would often cook with the herbs that she grew. Those who knew her best, knew that Sandy loved lilacs and hostas, both of which are as resilient as she proved herself to be.
Pat Gauthier
of Chelsea, Michigan, age 67, passed away quietly at her home Thursday, October 6, 2022. She was born Tuesday, April 26, 1955, in Jeffersonville, Indiana, born to James Lewis and Esther Marie (Patton) Henry; raised by Arthur Oliver “Bud” and Bessie Rosella (Keckler) Birchman.
Pat graduated from Van Buren High School in 1973. She worked for Equity Meats in Ohio, St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, in Shipping and Receiving at Borders Books Distribution Center in Dexter, and then with Jaytech, a subsidiary of L & W Engineering. Pat volunteered with Faith In Action between her jobs at St. Mary and Borders Books, and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year in the early 90's. She was a Girl Scout leader for 13 years, and was a member of the Knights of Columbus Ladies Auxiliary. Pat spent a lot of time with her family. She enjoyed garage sales and bowling. She liked fishing, camping, and being outdoors, tie dye clothes and 70's and country music.