Addie Furman

There are many things people use to gauge their success in this world including fame, fortune, and social status. Addie Furman was never one to measure herself in these ways since to her, life had meaning through loving and serving others. She had a heart that seemed endless and a nurturing way that extended far beyond her own children. Addie was so proud to impact future generations on her family tree, her grandchildren her greatest source of pride and joy. Whether she was cooking mouth-watering meals for her family or putting in a full day at work, Addie was always one to keep busy while finding the joy in everything along the way. The year 1923 was part of a vibrant decade in America that was so full of promise around every corner. American baseball was quickly becoming one of our nations favorite activities along with jazz music, dance marathons, and crossword puzzles. It was also during this year that there was great celebration in the family of William and Dora (Benn) Rattin since they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Addie May, on July 19th. Addie was born in Brohman, Michigan, as the youngest of seven children in her family, which included older siblings Nettie, Florence, Margaret, Ralph, Ben, and Delbert.. Her father was a farmer while her mother was a homemaker who also tended to the needs of their active family. Addie was raised on the family farm where helping with the chores was a way of life, and one of her more frequent responsibilities was clearing stones from the field. This strong work ethic remained with Addie throughout her life. She attended school in White Cloud until the eighth grade. While she was in her late teens, Addie met the young man who would change the course of her life forever. He was a handsome baseball player from Twin Lake, and his name was Clarence Furman, although everyone called him Carrot because of his red hair. Addie and Clarence dated, fell in love, and were married on October 18, 1945. After exchanging their vows, the newlyweds settled in Twin Lake where they soon became parents. Their daughter Karen was born in 1946, followed by son William in 1953 and son Gary in 1954. Addies husband worked various jobs in order to support his family while Addie stayed home and raised their children. Clarence worked as a fireman and was also involved in local government. While busy at home, Addie loved cooking for her family, and she was most known for her coleslaw, baked beans, pot roast, cakes and pies. As a family, they occasionally visited relatives and took trips up north across the Mackinac Bridge. When her children were older, Addie entered the workforce. She became a custodian at Twin Lake Elementary School a job she truly enjoyed. Addie remained there for over 20 years until she officially retired. Retirement looked a little bit different for Addie than it does for some since she didnt like just sitting around, but preferred to keep busy. She took a part-time job as the janitor at Spring Lake Wesleyan Church, working until she was 80 years old. Addies work certainly kept her busy, but so did her responsibilities at home. She was known as a mom to nearly everyone who knew her, long after her own children were grown. Addie certainly loved her children, but nothing could have prepared her for the tremendous joy she would experience as a grandmother. She took several of her grandchildren into her home and raised them for a time. Addie always kept an eye on everything going on at home including what the grandkids were doing and what they shouldnt be doing, and of course, making sure that everything was getting done just the way it was supposed to. Addie not only considered it a privilege to help out in this way, but she was very proud to be able to do so as well. Her faith was also a sustaining force in her life, and she was a member of Twin Lake United Methodist Church. Later in life, changes were in store for Addie. Clarence suffered with some health issues with his heart, and Addie tenderly cared for him until his death in 1991. A short time later, Addie went to live with her son Gary in the apartment he added onto his home where she remained until 2009. As Addie progressed through the sunset of her life, the years began to take their toll, and she became afflicted with some issues with her lungs. She moved into a nursing home when she required more care than her family was able to provide. Recently, she recovered enough and was able to return back home. Not long after, Addies health rapidly declined and she drew her last breath. Addie Furman was a woman who lived her life to love and care for others. She was kind and compassionate, yet wasnt afraid to let her opinions be known. Addie faced everything in her life with a graceful strength that was hard to miss. She enjoyed an active lifestyle well into her eighties as she was never one to be still for very long. Addie leaves behind precious memories that will be forever treasured by those she held dear. She will be deeply missed. Addie M. Furman died Wednesday, March 17, 2010. Addies family includes her daughter, Karen (Ted) Burns of N. Muskegon; sons, William Furman of Muskegon, Gary (Melissa) Furman of Whitehall; grandchildren, William Jr., Becky, Tammy, Wendy, Tracy, Amy, Candace, Adam, Cayla, Christopher, Cole; 8 great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ardis Melville & Alda Martin; brother-in-law, Ken (Sally) Furman. Addie was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence in 1991. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2010, 11:00 a.m. at Twin Lake United Methodist Church with Rev. Jerry Selleck officiating. Visit with Addies family and friends on Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home Muskegon location Muskegon, MI. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hospice of Michigan.