June Willing

June Rose Willing of Saginaw, Michigan passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2014 in the comfort of her home with her husband caring for her. She was 87 years old. June Rose Bowerman was born on April 22, 1927 in Saginaw, Michigan to Russell and Mary (Collison) Bowerman. She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Frank Knack, two brothers: Louis and Raymond Bowerman, and a brother-in-law, Harold Chartrand. June married her sweetheart, Jerry A. Willing, calling him "the love of my life", on July 27, 1985 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Davey officiating. June was a vivacious, nurturing, enthusiastic, fun-loving person. She worked with Sr. Elaine Raymond as a Coordinator of Religious Education for the Diocese of Saginaw. She was a gifted, lifelong learner, entering nursing school in her 40s after raising her four children and six foster children. She worked at the Veteran's Hospital and Saginaw General Hospital (now Covenant) in the neonatal unit. June and Jerry, a marriage counselor, also presented marital workshops at Queen of Angels Retreat House as well as at various local churches. June also enjoyed winter vacations in Florida and traveling abroad to Europe and Italy with her husband. She also loved entertaining her children and grandchildren at their cottage on Crooked Lake, and cruising on "Golden Pond-toon" with her husband as her Alzheimer's unfolded. June and Jerry are very grateful to A &D Hospice care staff who assisted them in their grieving and preparing them for their loss. June often told her caregivers: "I love you". Her final days included meditating on our current advent liturgy with Jerry reading to her the words of St. Paul: "Rejoice! Again, I say rejoice!", and "Pray without ceasing", and "In all circumstances, give thanks". June's guardian angels accompanied her to paradise! Surviving are her husband, Jerry A. Willing of Saginaw; three daughters and one son: Janee (Hal) Needham of Saginaw, Michael (Susan) Knack of Saginaw, Kathy (David) Richardson of Atlanta, GA, and Connie (Tom) Ruth of Saginaw; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters: John (Joan) Bowerman of Saginaw, Eugene (Dorothy) Bowerman of Houghton Lake, Rena Chartrand of Saginaw and Alice (Ken) Coon of Saginaw. FUNERAL: Honoring June's wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1035 N. River Road. Rev. Fr. Robert Byrne and Rev. Fr. Peter J. Gaspeny will concelebrate. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil honoring June will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday evening. Visitation will resume on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Holy Spirit Catholic Church or A & D Hospice. "June, you were an inspiration and our guide throughout our lives. We thank you for your untiring love and support. Your life will live on through your husband, children and foster children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and all the lives you have touched." Please share your thoughts and memories with the family the church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.