Bobbi Harrison

In every aspect of life, Roberta Louise Harrison was a care giver. Whether it was for her family or a patient, a close friend or a stranger, she always found a way to be a light to the people around her. Gentle and kind by nature, she was an amazing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who truly did live in the service of others. The 1930s were a difficult time for Americans, who were still experiencing the Great Depression. In Muskegon, Michigan, however, the Reinertson family found a reason to celebrate on July 1, 1934, with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Roberta. Nicknamed Bobbi, she and her younger brother Larry enjoyed a normal childhood as part of a happy family. Bobbi's father, Roy, was a superintendent at a button factory in Muskegon, and her mother, Louise (Crowley) worked at the Fruitport Pavillion bar. As a child, Bobbi loved to roller skate as well as ice skate, a tradition she would carry out long into her adult years. Bobbi was a curious child, and loved to learn as well as help take care of her family. This was the beginning of Bobbi's inclination towards helping others, and it would eventually become an important part of her career. She attended Muskegon schools until the family moved out to Fruitport, and then went to Muskegon Heights High school, graduating in 1952. Determined to take her education even further, Bobbi took Nurse's Training courses at Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, where she would soon become a Registered Nurse. It was not unlike Bobbi to put in long hours at the hospital, and she was devoted to making sure that each of her patients were well taken care of and comfortable throughout their stay in the hospital. After nurses training Bobbi got married and had two beautiful daughters, Kathryn in 1956 and Michele in 1966. Bobbi was an amazing mother, and was happy to take care of her girls with love and a kind heart. Although her marriage would come to an end in the late 1970s, Bobbi made sure that her daughters knew, above all else, that they were loved. She and Michele would eventually settle in Apple-Carr Village, where she would live for many years to come. Still yearning for knowledge and new experiences well into adulthood, Bobbi continued to foster her nursing education with classes at Aquinas College, as well as other schools. She was very proud to be an integral part of the small team of doctors & nurses who opened the first Cardiac Cath Lab, which brought the technology for open-heart surgery to Muskegon. She was very devoted to her work, which was evident in everything she did and in all the ways she contributed to her community through her profession. After 32 years at Mercy Hospital, Bobbi retired as RN there. She took another position as the Head of Nursing at NcAuley Place. This position allowed Bobbi to not only take care of patients, but also to serve as a mentor to other younger nurses. She had a lot to offer, and never hesitated to share her knowledge with others. She would close her nursing career with 5 years at McAuley Place, retiring to focus on her family and her travels. Bobbie enjoyed traveling during her retirement, and visited Australia, Alaska, Mexico, Jamaica, Grand Cayman Islands, and Hawaii, often traveling with friends and family. By this time, Bobbi's daughters were making families of their own, and she soon was a proud grandmother. She turned all her energies to spending time with her grandchildren, doing countless projects like scrapbooks, photo albums, drawings, homework correcting, planning and creating decorations and treats for many school parties at Muskegon Catholic Elementary. She was a gourmet cook and successfully spoiled her grandchildren with what became their favorite meals of shrimp, filet mignon, and crab legs. In the 1990s, Bobbi dated a man named Noel Hermance. They had a great relationship and he became an important part of her family for over 10 years, until his unfortunate death. Bobbi did what she could to keep her spirits up, and she always had her family to keep her happy. As Bobbi got older, she had some health issues and had to be on oxygen for the past 9 years. She didnt let that slow her down, though, and she stayed as active as she could. She did need a little more help so she moved in with her daughter Michele, where she continued to spoil her grandchildren. Bobbi lived for many wonderful years with her loved ones, but time and her illness did take their toll, and she sadly passed away on November 1st, 2009 surrounded by her family. Roberta Louise Harrison will be remembered as a woman of great faith, compassion, and kindness. She was an intelligent woman who used her knowledge for the greater good, taking care of both her family and those in need. She will be so deeply missed. Surviving are her daughters, Kathryn (Gary) Riggs of Ravenna, Michele (John) Sanocki of Roosevelt Park; grandchildren, Johnny & Maria Sanocki, Tony, Tim,and Abe Riggs, and Alysse (Riggs) Meyers; 4 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Larry Reinertson. Visitation will be Wednesday, 6 - 8 PM, at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Services will take place Thursday, November 5, 2009, 11:00 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Muskegon Catholic Schools Foundation. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign Bobbi's online guest book.