Kathryn Delores Laurent Long

Kathryn Delores Laurent Long passed away at 92 on Friday, September 25, 2015 surrounded by her family and loving friends. Dee was born August 18, 1923 in Cadillac, Michigan to Florence and Austin Phillips and they preceded her in death. She grew up in downtown Cadillac in "The Cooperative Hotel,Ã¢â‚¬Â which her grandparents, John and Ada Jorgensen owned and operated. Dee and her family fed many hungry people at their restaurant during The Great Depression. She was fortunate to grow up in a big Scandinavian community where great cooks, wonderful friends and family prevailed. Dee, her Mother and Aunt were caterers in the community. Dee's specialty was decorating wedding cakes and beautiful petit fours. She graduated as class president from Cadillac high School in 1941. In 1942, she and four girlfriends braved the open road and drove to California on Route 66, singing "You Are My SunshineÃ¢â‚¬Â all the way! In 1945 she married Kenneth Laurent and proceeded to have four children. In 1962 Kenneth passed away and she remained unattached until 1975 when she married Sam Long. Sam also preceded her in death in 1984. Dee worked at Henne's Shoe Store for over 25 years and made many fun friends. She was devoted to many charities. She was on the American Cancer Society Board of Directors for 34 years, The Daisy Chain, The Blood Bank, and The Swedish Society. She was a devout Catholic and member of St. Ann Catholic Church. In her elderly years she took care of her mother and loved being a grandma and friend to all. She made many funny cards and always remembered everyone's birthday. In 2010 she moved to Rockford to live with her daughter, Denise and her family. In Rockford she began playing cribbage daily with her cousin Bill Modders. They played over 500 games in two years and she loved every minute of it! Dee leaves behind four children: Craig Laurent, Sally (Barry) Wilson, Marsha Gadek and Denise Kreske; seven grandchildren: Delair (Paul) Avery, Sherida (Ryan) Riipi, Avery (Hannah) Wilson, Chauncey Gadek, Sasha Gadek, Kate Kreske and Ellie Kreske and five great grandchildren. Her favorite dogs: Eiko, Dixie, Roxy and Brody will also miss her. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday October 2, 2015 at St. Ann Catholic Church in Cadillac with Deacon Jim Siler officiating. Friends may meet the family one hour prior to the service at church. Her final resting place will be Mount Carmel Cemetery in Cadillac. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society or Hospice of Michigan. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Kathryn Delores Laurent Long

August 18, 1923 - September 25, 2015