Elizabeth Wilson

It is easy to see what a remarkable woman Elizabeth Wilson was each and every day. She was a classy lady who was rarely without her high heels and always made sure that her hair and makeup were just right as well. Elizabeth was a devoted mother to her daughter and was a mother figure to many other young girls. She had a warm and friendly demeanor that drew others to her and nothing was of greater value to her than the relationships she shared with those she loved. Elizabeth was a vibrant woman who brought harmony to the everyday melody of life, a true gift to the world around her. Life in America during the year 1916 was certainly different than the life we know today. WWI raged on overseas, although our nation intended to remain neutral. Labor unions continued to grow as the middle class became more and more unhappy, and children were hired to work in factories and mines for long hours in unsafe and unhealthy conditions. It was during the year 1916 that there was great reason to celebrate for the family of Thomas and Anna Mae (Pederson) Fallon as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth Rose, on October 3, 1916. Elizabeth was born in Chicago, Illinois, and was joined in her family by two younger brothers, Thomas and James. Their family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, when Elizabeth was still very young. They were Irish Catholics who attended St. Marys Catholic Church. As a young girl, Elizabeth developed many of the traits that would remain with her throughout her life. She was very social and had a lot of friends. After graduating from Muskegon High School, she found work at Hardy-Herpolsheimers behind the cosmetics counter. This job was a good fit for Elizabeth since looking her best was always of great importance to her. She developed a great sense of style and loved to wear nice clothes, which almost always included a dress and a pair of high heels. Elizabeth never left the house without her hair and makeup done, even during the sunset of her life. She loved going out on the town for a night of dancing with her friend, Delores Dee. Dee called Elizabeth Legs Fallon because of her great legs and dancing ability. Elizabeth had a hard time learning to drive a stick shift and was known to roll through stop signs, scaring Dee. She and Dee also took train trips to Chicago together to go dancing at the Drake Hotel. The pair never had much money, but got what they needed by sweet talking the conductors. Once they arrived in Chicago, they stayed with friends. She dated a Disney cartoon artist from Grand Rapids as a young woman, and they later became engaged. Sadly, he died in a car accident before they ever married. Brighter days were on the horizon for Elizabeth when she made the acquaintance of a bartender at Lakos Restaurant in Muskegon. His name was Joe Nickless and after dating for a time, the couple was married on February 5, 1949, deeply in love. They were a very social couple who spent much time out on the town, often with her brother Tom and his wife, Barbara. In 1960, their daughter Michele was born to their hearts. Elizabeth loved being a mother and was very protective of Michele by not only keeping a close eye on her, but by walking her to and from her classrooms. Their family didnt vacation much, but regularly went to visit family. Elizabeth and Michele Shelley were very close and all of Shelleys friends called her mom, too. Elizabeth often drove the groups of girls and sometimes boys wherever they wanted to go. She and Shelley made regular shopping trips to Jacobsons in Grand Rapids where Elizabeth passed along her shopping skills to her daughter. Although she and Joe separated in 1969, but didnt officially divorce until Shelley was out of high school. After Shelley graduated and moved out, Elizabeth married Edward Wilson in 1986. Unfortunately, Ed became ill. Elizabeth tenderly cared for Ed until his death in 1989. Although she was deeply saddened with his death, this was also a happy time in Elizabeths life since nothing could have prepared her for the great joy she would find in becoming a grandmother. When Shelley gave birth to her son James in 1987, Elizabeth became a full-time grandmother. She simply adored Jim and took care of him daily after school and any other chance she got. Not surprisingly, she dressed him in great looking clothes, and she often took him to Barnes & Noble where they read books together. Elizabeth attended all of his recitals, concerts, and soccer games in her high heels, of course. Just as she had with her daughter, Elizabeth often drove Jim wherever he wanted to go in her cars that were so big that she needed to sit on pillows in order to see over the wheel! Family always played an important role in Elizabeths life. It was plain to see that she adored her daughter and grandson, but she also had close relationships with her brothers, especially her brother Tom. She and Tom wrote letters to each other every week; the days following his death in 2006 were extremely difficult for her. Later in life Elizabeth developed some health issues. She broke her hip and arm and moved into Chestnut Fields Assisted Living where she received superb care and made many new friends. Elizabeth frequently enjoyed dining out at the Sardine Room and C. F. Prime with Shelley and attending services at St. Marys Catholic Church. She kept her weekly appointment with her stylist she saw for 20 years, Karen Katt, who was like a daughter to her. Elizabeth and Karen enjoyed their time together & their mother daughter relationship. In so many ways, Elizabeth Wilson was such a special woman to so many. She was kind, generous, and always saw the best in people. Elizabeth treasured the time she spent with her family, especially her grandson. She always carried herself with grace and elegance with just the right amount of spunk thrown in. Elizabeth leaves behind memories that are so precious to those who loved her. She will be dearly missed. Elizabeth R. Wilson died Friday, May 7, 2010. Elizabeths family includes her daughter, Michele (Mark) Anderson of Norton Shores; grandson, Jim Larson of Lansing; sister-in-law, Barbara Fallon of Bay City; nephew, Thomas (Cleo) Fallon of NM; many cousins; and the great staff & friends at Chestnut Fields Retirement Community. She was preceded in death by 1st husband Joe Nickless and 2nd husband, Edward. A service will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, 2:00 p.m. at Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Fr. Thomas Brown officiating. Visit with Elizabeths family and friends on Wednesday, 1hour prior to the service at Clock Life Story Funeral Homes 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 Muskegon Rescue Mission.