Mary "Andy" Askam

Mary Anne Andy Askam was never one to whittle away her days, rather she had a zest for life that seemed insatiable. She had a kind and generous heart and was actively involved in impacting the lives of those around her whether her sons, her friends, or those within her community. Andy enjoyed traveling and drinking in new experiences, having such fun along the way. It was only during the sunset of her life as her health limited her options that Andy ever slowed down and even then, she continued to embrace each day. She leaves behind lessons in strength, compassion, and grace that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who will carry on her legacy. Growth and change were two prevalent themes throughout the twenties in America with technology taking us to new heights that we had never before seen. It was in the year 1928 that Walt Disney released his first cartoon, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, and the first motion picture was shown in color. This was a year of celebration in the family of Arthur and Anne (Ludwig) Limbach as they welcomed their daughter, Mary Anne, into their hearts and home on June 16th. Mary Anne, who was always called Andy, was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, as the middle of three children in her family, which included older brother Arthur and younger sister Eleanor. She was raised in a big house that her father designed on 26 acres. Her father worked as a lawyer, and they also owned a dairy farm nearby. Andy attended local schools where she was a good student, played the flute in the high school band, and established a close group of friends that she had throughout junior high and high school. After graduating from high school, Andy took hold of the world of opportunities that lay before her. She attended Ohio Wesleyan University for two years and then went on to Ohio State where she received her BS in nursing and became a registered nurse. Andys years at Ohio State were of great significance for another reason as well since it was as a student there that she was introduced to the young man with whom she would share a tender love. His name was Ralph Askam, and his roommate was from her same hometown. After their initial introduction, they began dating and a romance soon blossomed between the young college students. They attended many fun-filled parties at the Phi Chi house, the fraternity that Ralph belonged to. Andy and Ralph were married on March 16, 1952, after Andy graduated. As husband and wife, the newlyweds were anxious to begin their new lives together. Andy began working as a nurse while Ralph finished up his medical degree. They then went to Akron for Ralphs internship where Andy taught at the local nursing hospital. In 1955, Andy and Ralph were blessed with the birth of their son, Steve, at which time Andy stayed home to be a full-time mother. Their family of three went back to Ohio State where Ralph fulfilled his residency, becoming an anesthesiologist. Once they were back in Ohio, their family grew to include their son Dave in 1956. With Ralphs education finally behind him, their family moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where they eventually settled into a home in a new subdivision in Nob Hill, located in Norton Shores, after moving around a bit. With the birth of their son Eric in 1967, their family was finally complete. Andy embraced her role as a mother and was very active in the lives of her sons. She was involved in their Cub Scouts, their school activities, and their sporting events just to name a few. Although her family kept her quite busy, Andy was involved in many other endeavors, too. She was part of the Medical Society Auxiliary and in the 1970s, they joined the Muskegon Country Club where Andy played golf on the womens leagues, and she also took up tennis. Together she and Ralph liked to dine out with friends and there were family ski trips to Boyne Mountain and out west. Andy and Ralph also experienced fun golf vacations with their friends. Andy shared close friendships with other doctors families in the area such as the Henevelds, Crawfords, Wilcoxs, and Crandalls among others. She spent a lot of time volunteering within her community with organizations such as the Cherry Guild, the Nearly New Shop, and was a member of the Friends of Art and the Muskegon Art Gallery. Later in life, Andy experienced both peaks and valleys along her journey. Once their children were grown, she and Ralph liked to take Elderhostel trips with their favorite trip being a barge trip down the Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans. While aboard the barge, they enjoyed a different style of music every night. Andy and Ralph also liked going to plays in Stratford, Ontario, and taking theater trips hosted by Cam and Kim Farmer to both New York and London where they had so many good times. Ten years ago, Andy started having various health problems that caused them to scale back on their traveling, although they still went to visit their grandchildren as often as Andy was able. Then throughout the last four years, increased lung problems left her dependant on oxygen. Ralph took superb care of Andy throughout these years. She spent her most recent months at Chestnut Fields Assisted Living where she received excellent care and Ralph visited her daily. With so much love to give, Mary Anne Andy Askam brought such joy to those around her. She delighted in caring for her family and was thrilled to become a grandmother. Andy realized that the true joy in life is not so much about where we end up, but more in the joy we find along the way. She will be dearly missed and warmly remembered. Mary Anne Andy Askam died on Sunday, March 21, 2010. Andys family includes her husband Ralph; sons, Steve (Mary Ann) Askam of CO, David (Tracy) Askam of IL, Eric (Sandra) Askam of Harrietta, MI; grandchildren, Perry, Gabe, and Victoria Askam, Joe and Dave Dunnigan; brother, Arthur "Skip" Limbach of OH; sister, Eleanor Parr of GA. Andy requested a celebration of her life, Saturday, March 27, 2010, 2:00-5:00 p.m. with a time of sharing at 3:00 p.m. at the Muskegon Country Club. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Muskegon Community Foundation, VNS Hospice-Scolnik House or the charity of your choice.