Bessie Lauretta Kirsch

Mrs. Bessie Lauretta Kirsch passed away Monday, October 13, 2014, encircled by her husband and children at her home in Port Hope, MI. Bess’s positive outlook on life remained throughout her cancer diagnosis, and she was quick to say she lived a good life as she reflected on her 70 years. She was born on February 2, 1944 in Harbor Beach, MI, the daughter of the late Raymond and Laura Schumacher. Bess attended the Pumpkin Center Country School and Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic School of Ruth, MI and Our Lady of Lake Huron Catholic School of Harbor Beach and graduated from Harbor Beach High School in 1961 as a member of the first class to graduate in the school’s new gymnasium. On February 3, 1962, Bess and Donald Kirsch were joined in joyful matrimony at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Ruth. In their 52 loving years of marriage, they raised 6 children on their sheep farm in Sherman Township before moving to Port Hope in 1995 where she spent countless hours gardening and was known for living ‘in the house with all of the flowers.' Gardening was one of Bess’s talents; she was also an excellent cook who welcomed everyone to the table and a well-read and interesting conversationalist who loved to take pictures at family gatherings. Family and friends of Bess had a standing invitation to her annual Fourth of July picnic where the food was always plentiful and the town’s parade could be seen from the front yard. Bess is survived by her husband, Donald, and their children, Thomas and Bridget Kirsch of Harbor Beach; Larry Kirsch of Washington D.C.; Laurie Kirsch and Matthew Sprecher of Washington Township, MI; Patrick and Satoko Kirsch of Osaka, Japan; and Wendy and Paul Siemen of Grand Blanc, MI. Grandchildren include Dustin (Sylinia), Terrance (Carolyn Enck), Amanda (Brandon Haney), Luke and Jacob Kirsch; Meg Kirsch and Bryce & Madison Wagner; Mackenzie, Sophie and Luca Sprecher; Taro and Hana Kirsch; Clara Bess Siemen; and great-grandchildren Jagur and Lucas. Bess is also survived by her brother Lloyd (Betty) Schumacher and sisters Arlene Martin and Jane (Ronald) Volmering and sister-in-law Jacqueline Volmering. Bess was predeceased by her son Terrance; daughter-in-law, Stacy Kirsch; brother, Thomas Schumacher; sister, Ann Uicker and brother-in-laws Richard Martin and Raymond Volmering. Bess’s family wish to invite all those who knew and loved her to a memorial mass at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 18, 2014 at St. Anthony Catholic Church of Holy Name of Mary Parish in Helena, MI with Father William Spencer officiating and dinner to follow at the Parish Center.