On Dec 16, 2019 a beautiful soul passed while surrounded by husband, David, her sons, their spouses, and her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly. Jennie Auburna Lewis was 75.
Despite numerous physical challenges during her last years, Jennie remained active, regardless of inclement weather or family concerns. She could be found attending sports and band events, book club activities, lunches with classmates, writing the Kingsley Library Newsletter, frequenting resale shops for "treasures", and encouraging friends and children to join her for regional cultural events.
As a Traverse City High School graduate in 1962, Jennie had already gained recognition as the yearbook editor and a member of the Traverse City High School Ski team.
She then became the area's first Rotary exchange student, earning a one year scholarship to study at the university in Santiago, Chile. This challenging immersion in Chilean culture and language served as a launch pad for many subsequent accomplishments.
Over the years, Jennie donated her time to numerous community causes, one of which was as a founding member of Kingsley Friends of the Library (KFOL), where she served 10 years as treasurer and helped drive the capital campaign to build the new Kingsley Branch Library.
Her passion for gardening helped establish the Children's Garden in Kingsley, furthering her pride and support for the community where she and her husband had raised their family.
For 27 years she added her best to the Manton community as a teacher of Spanish, French, English and the junior high Quest Program. She planned, fund raised and traveled with language students to Mexico, Spain, and France about every other year. She was awarded "Teacher of the Year" by Manton Public Schools during her years there.
Jennie was an avid gardener and flower arranger. She contributed many beautiful flower arrangements to local events and planned many garden walks in Kingsley. She was truly an example for all who wish to live a life of service to family, friends, and community. She was deeply loved. She will be forever missed.
Jennie is survived by her husband, David; sons, Charles David (Robin) and Donald; grandchildren, Nicholas, Joseph, Trevor, Grace and Stella; as well as the family of Jamie (Nicole "Cookie") Mullin, to include, Mikaila, James, Ayden, and Lilly, whom she considered part of her family. Also surviving are sisters, Margy (Jim) Goss and Sally (Pete) Doneth; and mother, Maxine Meach.
Jennie's birth mother, Ameila Jean; and father, Dr. Charles L Meach II, preceded her in death.
Her determination as well as the significance and gravity of her life's endeavors were perfectly balanced by her wonderful sense of humor; she loved a good joke and enjoyed and excelled at passing that joke on. On the family's many camping trips, friends and grandkids alike would gather around her at the fire, captivated by the stories she articulated so beautifully.
This spring, on a date still to be determined, Jennie's family and friends will gather once more to celebrate a life well lived.
Arrangements are entrusted to Covell Funeral Home, Kingsley.
