Lillian Ester MacEachern

October 21, 1934 - March 16, 2014

LILLIAN'S OBITUARY: Lillian Ester (Kabur) MacEachern passed away Sunday, March 16, 2014, at her home in Irons surrounded by her family, following a long battle with cancer. She was 79.She was born October 21, 1934, in Irons, to Peter and Nellie Kabur, and graduated from Kaleva Norman Dickson High School in 1952. Lillian worked as a telephone switchboard operator and dispatcher, as a welder at Straights Steel in Ludington, as a waitress at the Wellston Inn, and worked at Chittenden tree nursery.On June 6, 1953, she married Robert Allen MacEachern of Wellston at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Irons, and they have celebrated 60 years together. They first resided in Wellston, then Mesick, and returned to Irons in 1995.Lillian graduated in 1969 from Northwestern Michigan College with an associate of science degree, and has practiced as a registered nurse from 1969 to 1996. Upon graduation from NMC, she began working at the Osteopathic Hospital in Traverse City as head nurse in the newborn nursery. She then went to Mercy Hospital in Cadillac where she worked in the recovery room and ICU. She also worked as an EMT for the Mesick Rescue Squad, as a Red Cross first aide instructor and volunteer, and the Women's Resource Center volunteer. She worked as the Assistant Director of Nursing at Lakeview Lutheran Manor, for the Health Department District No. 10, and retired from 10 years of service at Community Mental Health in Cadillac where she served as the OBRA coordinator and AFC group home director.Lillian also served her catholic church as choir director and organist at St. Edwards in Harrietta, St. Raphael's in Copemish, St. Bernard's in Irons as well as a member at St. Ann in Cadillac. She was also a catechism instructor at the St. Edwards church. In addition, Lillian enjoyed gardening, music, reading and especially her family.Lillian will be greatly missed by her husband, Robert Allen MacEachern of Irons; her children: Deb L. Hoseit of Belleville, Robert H. MacEachern of Mesick, Michael J. (Penny) MacEachern of Harrietta, Bruce D. MacEachern of Mesick, Mark P. (Deb) MacEachern of Wellston, David A. (Amber) MacEachern, Barbara M. (Kevin) Braley, all of Mesick, and Mary M. MacEachern of Cadillac; her sister, Mary Jane (John) Blazek of Irons; and Lil's favorite dog, Peanut. She will also be remembered by her 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces; nephews and cousins.Lillian was preceded in death by her parents, Nellie and Peter Kabur; her brothers: Henry, Stanley and Joey; her sisters: Helen, Ann, Mary, Evelyn Riechert, and Bernice Cook; and her grandson, Brandon.The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for Lillian at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Irons, with Rev. Dennis O’Donnell and Deacon Bill Cook presiding. Friends may meet with her family for a time of visitation on Wednesday, March 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the church, with the Rosary to be prayed for Lillian at 7 p.m.Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider West Shore Healthcare Foundation with a memo to cancer services in Lillian’s name.