Velma Julia Doyle

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Velma (Val) Julia Doyle on March 28, 2014. Val was born on March 1, 1925 in the family home near Galesburg, Michigan, daughter of Anton Gendher and Esther Sabo Gendher (Ginther). She attended Galesburg Public Schools graduating from Galesburg High School in 1943. On June 28, 1944 she married Harry Doyle in San Francisco, California. They welcomed their daughter Kathleen (Kathy) in 1946. In February 1948 they moved to a new home in Kalamazoo where Val resided until her death. During the 1950’s Val was very involved at Burke Acres School as a Secretary of the PTA, Room Mother, and Brownie and Girl Scout Leader. When Jacobson’s Department Store opened in the 1960’s she was one of the original employees. She worked there for over 20 years managing several departments in the Main and Home Stores. She was an extremely dedicated worker and she was recognized for providing excellent customer service. Family, both near and far, were very important to her. Although Kathy and family live 1,000 miles away in Canada, she and Harry would make an annual drive North to spend time with their granddaughter. When not together she showed her caring through thoughtful letters, cards and gifts. A highlight in her life was attending Jennifer and Steve’s wedding in 2006. The arrival of great grandsons, Alexander and Niklas, made her a very proud Great Grandma who lovingly displayed and shared their photos. Gardening was Val’s passion. She found peace and solace tending her flowers and yard. She was a “dirt under her fingernails” gardener. A perfect day for her was digging, planting and weeding in her own personal Eden. Happily, her gardening passion has been carried on through her granddaughter. Val belonged to the Burke View Garden Club. In recent summers she has enjoyed sitting in her patio swing observing the antics of the squirrels and chipmunks and the flitting of the bees among her flowers. She was always joined by Annie, her furry companion. Val cherished the simple pleasures in life: sun dried clothes, a good book, her flowers, a brisk cup of tea, and Annie on her lap. Family and friends will always treasure their special memories of Val; her compassion, thoughtfulness, organizational skills, and her gift for creating a warm and welcoming home. Val is survived by her: daughter, Kathleen (Alan) Wilson; granddaughter, Jennifer (Steve) Ioannou; great-grandsons, Alexander and Niklas; sisters, Eleanor (Ray) Samson and Margaret Greene; numerous loving members of the Doyle family; and special angels, Bob and Sue Fender. She was preceded in death by her: husband, Harry Doyle; parents, Anton and Esther (Ginther) Gendher; sister, Esther; brother, Tony Gendher; and nephew, Tony Gendher Jr. A private family service will be held on Wednesday, April 2, 1:30pm at Parchment Redmond Funeral Home, 2300 East “G” Ave., Parchment MI 49004. Friends are invited to join the family at 2:30pm for a reception at Parchment United Methodist Church, 225 Glendale Blvd, lower level. Internment will take place on Thursday, April 3, 11:30pm, at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Parchment Community Library, 401 S. Riverview Dr. Parchment, MI 49004-1200 The Kiss of the sun for pardon,             The song of the birds for mirth, One is nearer God’s heart in a garden             Than anywhere else on earth.   Rest in peace, Mom