Myrtle Helen (Larche) Hillenbrand
October 21, 2016Share using:
Myrtle Helen (Larche) Hillenbrand, 93, a resident of Portage Pointe Nursing Home, Hancock, MI, met her Lord and Savior, on October 21, 2016.
She was born at home in Dollar Bay, Michigan, on March 29, 1923, the eldest child of Arthur and Laura (Miron) Larche.
Myrtle graduated from Dollar Bay High School, as valedictorian, in 1941. In 1944, she graduated from St. Joseph School of Nursing in Hancock, after completing affiliations in Marquette and Chicago. Myrtle worked in various settings during her 33 year nursing career: emergency, surgery, office duty for Dr. A.B. Aldrich, head nurse of pediatrics, infection control, and utilization care and review. Myrtle was a dedicated nurse and a mentor to many nursing students.
On October 1, 1949, Myrtle was married to the love of her life, William B. Hillenbrand. They celebrated 58 years of marriage. Myrtle was a lifelong resident of Dollar Bay, until Bill passed away in 2007. She then lived at the Bluffs for over 6 years and at Portage Pointe Nursing Home for the past 2 years.
In addition to her career, Myrtle lead a very active life. She was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Dollar Bay. Myrtle and Bill were also members of the Runeberg Lodge, and Myrtle belonged to the St. Francis Alter Society and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.
Throughout her years, Myrtle enjoyed reading, traveling, knitting, sewing, quilting, gardening, skating, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, camping, dancing, cooking, baking, and entertaining. Spending time with family and friends was always a priority. Myrtle was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend.
Preceding Myrtle in death are her parents, Arthur and Laura; her husband, Bill; and a sister, Evelyn “Bin” Nye.
Surviving are two sons, Michael (Karen) and Thomas (Sandra) of the Chicago area; a daughter, Teresa (Robert) Nelson of Houghton; nine grandchildren: Jason, Emily, Joseph; John (Krista), Brian, Laura, Aubrey, Jeremiah, and Jordan (Nicole); a brother, Edgar “Socko” Larche; a sister, Patricia (Thomas) Hampton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:45 am on Thursday, October 27 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church with the Rev. William Ssozi officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 26 from 5 to 8 pm at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Myrtle may be made to St. Francis of Assisi Church at 507 Ave. F in Dollar Bay, MI, 49922 or the Omega House at 2211 Maureen Ln., Houghton, MI 4993.
The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all who have blessed Myrtle with care, friendship, kindness, and love throughout her life.
The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home is assisting with the arrangements. To leave online condolences, please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com.