Estelle Mae Franklin

Estelle Mae Franklin passed away peacefully at her home Friday September 3, 2021, surrounded by her loving husband and daughters. She was born December 28, 1931, in Kalamazoo, MI, a twin daughter of Charles and Jennie (Hoogakker) Wortinger.

Estelle graduated from Galesburg High School in 1951. She worked at Kalamazoo Regional Psychiatric Hospital in the cafeteria. Estelle was later introduced to Edward by her father-in-law, James, as he and Edward were working on a construction project at the hospital. Estelle also worked in food service settings at Oshtemo Care Center, Verdries and Provincial House Nursing homes for several years. She also worked at the local Ben Franklin Dime Store, as well as doing day care for many years.

Estelle was a member of Northeastern Baptist Church. She enjoyed going on senior trips and activities with the church, as well as reading, sewing, tending to her flowers, baking with her grandchildren, camping with her family, and travelling with Edward in their motor home.

Estelle enjoyed being a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She deeply loved her grandchildren and would always be eager to travel to Tennessee to visit when she could. In more recent years she enjoyed adult coloring books, playing Bingo at Senior Care Partners-PACE, watching Steve Harvey and animal television shows.

Estelle and Edward were married August 20, 1955 and had just celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary. Edward and Estelle had three children Cathleen, Suzan, and Eddie.

Estelle was preceded in death by her parents; son, Edward (Eddie) Franklin; three siblings, Charles "Bud" Wortinger, Garnet Brant, and Ella Palmer (twin); and sister-in-law, Gladys Wortinger; and her beloved Toy Poodle, Muffin.

Estelle is survived by her husband, Edward and daughters, Cathleen Franklin, and Suzan Schulenberg; grandchildren, Jessica (Mike) Stewart, Christina (Chad Davis) Schulenberg, Zachary Schulenberg, Isaiah Franklin, Alonzo Franklin, Logan Franklin, Valerie Hirsch, and Jason (Carolina) Johnson; great-grandchildren, McKenzie, Lucius, Brinley, Talon, Jaxon, Carter, Amir, Tori, Savanah, and Ayden, brothers-in-law, Allen Palmer and Larry (Gean) Franklin; sister-in-law, Annette Small; and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to especially thank Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan for their supportive care; Senior Care Partners PACE provider, Sarah Simpson NP for her wonderful care and always being open and willing to ensure Estelle had what she needed; RN Care Coordinator, Sara H for all of her coordination and family support; Mallory PT/OT for her wonderful skills; PCA Debra Slater who cared for Estelle for three years and Janet, Spiritual care at PACE for always having a listening ear and caring heart; the wonderful nurses Kristin, Terri, Pat who spent time talking, listening and addressing her needs with patience, a loving heart, and gentleness, and to all of the many other kind souls- PCA's, transportation (Vera), other nurses who touched her heart with their kindness and made sure her needs were met.

Estelle's family will receive guests beginning at 10:00 Friday morning, September 10, 2021, at Northeastern Baptist Church, 6536 East G Avenue, where services will begin at 11:00. The family will receive guests following the service in the church reception center. Graveside services will be held at 3:00 Friday afternoon in Mt. Ever-Rest Memorial Park South. Memorials may be directed to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Services entrusted to Langeland Family Funeral Homes Burial & Cremation Services, 3926 S 9th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. To view Estelle's personalized web page, please visit https://www.langelands.com