
Kathy Walls
1951-2022


Elizabeth Kellaway/Carroll Memorial Fund
“I’ve lived a lucky life, it’s been a blessed life” Elizabeth Kellaway/Carroll Memorial Fund for the Children’s Equestrian Program for Camp Cavell.
Please send checks to: Camp Cavell, 3335 Lakeshore Rd., Lexington, MI 48450 (OR) make an Online Donation

Picture with Rosalyn’s (Roz) granddaughter
at Camp Cavell
Rosalyn Mermell
1947-2020
Rosalyn Mermell, 73, of Lake Orion, Michigan, died on 29 March 2020.
The Funeral will be A PRIVATE FAMILY GRAVESIDE SERVICE on Tuesday, 31 March 2020 at 3:00 PM. Rabbi Jennifer Kaluzny will officiate. Click here to watch the live video of the funeral service.
Family members include:
Beloved wife of Lance Mermell. Cherished mother of Rachel Mermell and Joshua (Dana) Mermell. Loving Bubbie of Max and Ellie Mermell. Devoted daughter of the late Milton and the late Esther Maddin. Adored sister of Michael (Donna) Maddin and Richard (Sharon) Maddin. Lovingly remembered by colleagues and friends.
It is suggested that those who wish to further honor the memory of Rosalyn Mermell may do so by making a contribution to:
Temple Israel Rabbi Leon Farm Scholarship Fund
(OR)
Camp Cavell
3335 Lakeshore Rd
Lexington, MI 48450
810-359-2267
Donate Online
Located in Lexington, MI this camp offers adults and children challenges and growth opportunities in the out of doors. Camp Cavell was very special to our mom as she was able to climb trees and participate in other camping activities with her grandchildren because they specialize in providing opportunities to those with mobility limitations.
(OR) A Charity of one’s choice

Jim D’Amore
1926-2018
October 15, 2018. Age 92. Beloved husband of the late Angeline R. “Angie” (nee: Asaro). Loving father of Andrea D’Amore-Braver (Arnie). Proud and loving papa of Alex and Andrew. Jim was proud to have served in the US Army during WWII. Please share memories with the family at their “On-Line Guestbook” at WujekCalcaterra.com
Visitation Friday 3:00pm to 8:30pm with Funeral Service Saturday 10:00am at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile). Entombment, Glen Eden Lutheran Memorial Park East, Macomb Twp.
Memorial contributions to Camp Cavell Conservancy, Lexington MI are appreciated. Donate Here

Estelle Daley (Skrok)
1924-2017
Estelle Daley (Skrok) was born in Hamtramck, Michigan on August 8, 1924. She passed away peacefully on October 15, 2017, at the age of 93. Estelle lived in Hamtramck at 2638 Casmere Street between Jos Campeau and McKay. She was the beloved Wife of Leonard and the Mother of 7 children, Bud or Len Daley, Cyndy Winkler, Jacqueline Daley, Sheila Daley, Timothy Daley, Gerry Daley, and Felicia Billardello. Estelle was the grandmother of 22 children, the Great Grandmother of 36 children, and the Great Great Grandmother of August Levi Cople.
She lived well, loved much and laughed often, a true inspiration to us all. Estelle volunteered at the Henry Ford Stroke Retreat at Camp Cavell in Lexington, Michigan for over 20 years. She was the oldest volunteer at stroke camp but one of the busiest. Her camp friends will tell you she taught them many things about living a good life and was a wonderful loving soul.
Always one to take on a challenge and enjoy life, Estelle holds the record for being the oldest technical tree climber at Camp Cavell at 91. She is a lady of determination and not one to sit still or stay rooted to the ground. We know she is on her way to heaven.
Estelle often said that being a part of Stroke Camp and being at Camp Cavell were truly her happiest times. She believed strongly that the magic she saw created at camp was needed by everyone. We believe without a doubt that the kind of support, kindness, and love shared by Estelle was what creates the magic of camp.
Estelle will be dearly missed and remembered by her camp friends.
We shall celebrate the Life of Estelle Daley with a Memorial Mass
Friday, November 24, 2017 11:00 am
Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament,
9844 Woodward Ave. Detroit, MI 48202
Donations in Estelle’s memory may be sent to Camp Cavell
3335 Lakeshore Road
Lexington, MI 48450
Memo: Estelle Daley Memory
(OR)
Donate online

Meagan M. Williams
1996-2016
December 21st, 1996 to October 26th, 2016
Meagan Margarette Williams, 19, of Port Huron, died Wednesday, October 26, 2016, of a heroin overdose, after a long battle with drug addiction. She was born December 21, 1996 in Waco, TX. She attended Holland Woods Middle School and Port Huron Northern High School.
Meagan enjoyed crocheting, writing poetry, horseback riding and had a great love for animals. She had a lot of friends in many places and she loved them all. Her friendships were very important to her.
She is survived by her father, Stephen Williams; her mother, Susan Williams; three sisters, Sara (Tom) Klick, Allison (Jeff) Peet and Marissa (Adam) Greenberg; two nieces, Ellie and Olivia; grandparents, Paul and Kay Williams; great aunt, Margaret Everett; several aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Patrick and Sara McCoy.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 1, 2016 in the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home with visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of service. The Reverend Lydia Speller will officiate. See her online Obituary
Meagan attended Camp Cavell in 2006-2008.
Memorials may be made to Camp Cavell.

Marian Fisher
1939-2016
It will be impossible to have a Women’s Weekend at camp without picturing Marian there joining in the fun. Marian was a fixture at Women’s Weekend for as long as we can remember. She brought along her mother for many years then came with her friend Barbara Esler for as long as any of us can remember. If we danced, Marian danced. If we did crafts, Marian did crafts. If we sang, Marian sang. Marian especially enjoyed the wild flowers and photographing the trillium. No matter what, Marian’s heart was always at Camp Cavell. Somehow we know that her spirit will always be with us there!!
Marian Fisher: July 27, 2016. Sister of Colin Fisher and family. Daughter of the late Roy and Margaret Fisher. Also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and many friends. Memorial Service Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3633 W. Big Beaver, Troy. Read her online Obituary
There will be a reception with desserts coffee, and lemonade immediately following. If anyone wishes to make a memorial gift to honor Marian in lieu of flowers, the two organizations are Michigan Humane Society and Northminster Presbyterian Church. Marian has made a bequest in her trust for Camp Cavell. Acknowledgements for the donation to the Humane Society or donations to Northminster can be sent to Northminster, C/O Marian Fisher Memorials, 3633 W. Big Beaver, Troy MI 48084.
Memories of Marian Fisher:
From Barbara Esler:
Marian Lee Fisher was born on February 19, 1939, in Detroit and lived in the city until the conclusion of World War II. She, along with her brother, Colin, and parents, Roy Albert Fisher and Margaret MacDonald Fisher, moved to Troy, locating on John R just north of Big Beaver. During her school years, Marian began her ‘tradition’ of being involved in as many activities as possible. She graduated from Troy High School in June, 1957.
September, 1957, found Marian at the University of Michigan, but a bout with the Asian flu sent her home to recuperate. In September, 1958, Marian enrolled at Adrian College. However, not finding the courses there that she desired, she transferred to Alma College, from which she graduated with a degree in Sociology in 1962. She returned to Alma to complete her teaching credentials and, during that period, volunteered at the Masonic Home, visiting with the folk there and writing letters for them. During the summer, she worked with the children of migrant workers.
Marian’s first teaching jobs were in Clawson and nearby Rochester, as she was not yet driving. Later she taught early elementary grades in several school districts in the Midland area. Returning to Troy because of her father’s ill health, she started a long period of working with pre-school children through co-op nurseries, one at Northminster, and then Rainbow Preschool until her retirement. During this period, too, she returned to school and studied nursing. However, she was unable to complete this program and graduate because of her shaky hands, a family heritage. Many weekends found her camping in Michigan and Canada, often accompanied by young people she had baby-sat and neighbors. She had also developed an interest in photography through a group she joined at Kensington Metro Park. The rangers at many of the Michigan state parks knew her well and would direct her to special wild flowers which she would photograph, resulting in her beautiful collection of close-up slides.
I met Marian on her first visit to Camp Cavell, a volunteer weekend, and we shared a cabin. We soon found many of our interests were similar: camping, knitting, music, photography, crafts, and the list goes on. Since her mother was, by that time, in failing health and no longer able to accompany Marian on many trips, we soon found ourselves doing things together in addition to our volunteer work at Camp Cavell. She introduced me to Northminster Church, where Beth Jones invited me into the choir, to Paint Creek Folklore Society, and a number of her special photography locations. When the house, belonging to my son, had an opportunity to be sold, Marian invited me to move in with her and share expenses. Over the many years we lived together, I was glad I was available for several emergencies and ultimately able to adjust my working schedule to provide transportation to her various appointments, etc., after she was no longer driving herself.
It was with regret that I felt it necessary to retire from my job in Sylvan Lake and make a permanent move to Georgia, to be close to my daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. That family support has already provided me with the opportunity to have a total hip replacement. However, Marian and I were in close touch until her final two months, frequently talking three and four times in one day. I was actually trying to phone her the evening that she died, being unaware she was in such serious condition. I sorry I am not in Michigan for her memorial service, but it would be too long a drive for me to make alone and my son-in-law’s health concerns prevent daughter, Becky, from driving up with me to make it possible.
From Nora & Dennis Cecil:
And the whole Gang – Josh, Leah, Avery, Jessica, Mike, Liam, Nolan, Jenni, Giuliana & Adam:
We were lucky enough to share some time with Marian, last October, when our family participated in the Halloween Weekend. My husband and I sat with, and enjoyed a lengthy conversation with Marian. She shared many memories and her history with Camp Cavell. It was obvious just how much she loved and enjoyed the camp, and how dear her “Camp Cavell family” was to her! She proudly told us the story of how she donated her father’s beautiful fireplace grate that adorns the dining hall’s gorgeous fireplace. After we said our goodbyes, I would glance at her from our table. She sat in a cozy chair directly in front of the crackling fire, allowing her gaze to transport her from one lovely memory to another until she fell fast asleep! It was an absolutely precious and heartwarming site! Camp Cavell, and the loving people there, embraced Marian’s life in such a priceless and wonderful way! It was plain to see that she was in her happy place, and now, I’m sure her beautiful spirit will forever watch over all of us, at Camp Cavell!! Rest in Heavenly peace, sweet lady!

Irvin Frank Swider
1927-2015
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
As far as we know, Ralph Waldo Emerson never knew Irvin Swider, but then again, maybe he did.
“Mr. Wonderful” passed away at his home in Beverly Hills, Michigan on Thursday October 22, 2015. He was 88. On his last evening, with the Big Band music he so loved to dance to filling the room, his loving wife Doris, children, grandchildren and close friends serenaded him with his favorite songs.
Irv was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 3, 1927. After serving proudly in the U.S. Navy, he attended Wayne State University. He was a member of the football team and the Sphinx Club and graduated in the class of 1950. He worked as a 6th grade teacher at Von Steuben Elementary in Detroit, MI and later as a salesman at Acme Tool. In 1963 he acquired Future Products, an automotive manufacturing company, in Troy, MI and in 1973 established Metal Punch Company in Cadillac, MI. Irv served as Chairman of both companies until 2015. He brightened the lives of his employees with his personal dedication to them and often credited them for the true success of the companies.
Throughout his life, Irv passionately pursued a broad variety of interests and activities. He loved tennis, handball and jogging. Always looking for his next adventure, he went skydiving for the first time on his 70th birthday. While he loved traveling and experiencing all the world had to offer — visiting his vacation homes in Naples FL and Charlevoix, MI, boating in the Great Lakes and the Caribbean, biking in the Canadian Rockies, visiting Western Europe, Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, Croatia and Bosnia, among many other adventures – he was just as happy at home amongst loved ones whether engaging in lively conversation or enjoying a big family meal.
His unquenchable intellectual curiosity and genuine delight in human interaction drove him to form innumerable deep and lasting relationships that he cherished and nurtured all his life. He counted among his friend’s people from all walks of life. His accumulated wisdom and generous nature allowed him to have a significant impact on all who came to know him. Irv’s interest in the world and desire to make a difference led to his dedicated involvement as a camp caregiver at the Camp Cavell Conservancy, an MDA Summer Camp in Lexington, MI and the Guadalupe Social Services – Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, where he served meals to the migrant farm workers and their families, in Immokalee, FL.
Irv above all, loved his family and friends. Irv and Doris’s love for and dedication to one another was absolute and enduring. He served as a teacher, mentor and sounding board to his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and a great many friends. He was principled, loyal, generous, compassionate and always showed up when you needed him. He was a man of faith who loved his country. Each morning he got down on his knees, prayed the “Our Father” and thanked God for a new day. His love of life was infectious and ever-present. Irv left a large and lasting footprint on the world. He will be profoundly missed by the many people who loved and admired him and whose lives he so enriched.
Here are some thoughts Irv liked to share.
“You have two hands. One to receive and one to give and it’s better to give.”
“We are on this earth to serve. Not to be served.”
“In your bank of life, you are given an unknown number of days at birth. You’ll withdraw one each morning as you awake. Making a deposit is not possible. Use your bank account wisely.”
“Put your next adventure on the calendar. You always need something to look forward to.”
Irv is survived by his wife Doris M. (nee Muccino) of 60 years. He was the loving father of Mary E. Swider-Spresser (Carl), Susan V. (Lucia Zamorano), DorisMarie A., Irvin J. (Stacie), Alesia C. (Kip Snedeker) and Eric S. (Jessica). Cherished Papa of Alex, Calvin, Jack, Stuart, Ava, Johnny, Christian, Sophia, Lucie, Allegra, Rocco and Chad. Dear brother of Gertrude C. Krezel, Rose Marie Barnette, Thomas Swider (Marilyn), Lydia Martino, Joseph Babiarz (Ruth), Alice Ricci (Dominic) and the late Virginia Rzezutko (Joseph) and Walter Swiderski (Lillian). Also, many nieces and nephews, as well as cherished family friend Winsome McKenzie. Family appreciates the loving care of Tanya, Sandy and Sharon.
Family will receive friends Tuesday 3:00-8:00pm with Rosary at 7:00pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward Ave. (between 13-14 Mile), Royal Oak.
Funeral Mass Wednesday 10:30am at St. Regis Church, 3695 Lincoln (at Lahser), Bloomfield Hills. Visitation at church begins at 10:00am.
Memorial tributes to Camp Cavell Conservancy (benefiting children with Muscular Dystrophy), 3335 Lakeshore, Lexington, MI 48450 or online or Guadalupe Social Services, Attn: Casa Maria Soup Kitchen, 211 Ninth Street South, Immokalee, FL 34142 – See more at: Desmond Funeral Home