Helen Kathleen Humm

December 16th, 1924 - December 22nd, 2021

Helen, or Kathleen as her siblings knew her or Kathy by her friends, the oldest of 10 children (after her older brother Teddy died at 5 yrs of age when she was just 3) was born on the farm to Beulah and Paul Andrews in Ashley, Michigan on December 16th, 1924.

Kathleen thrived in school while helping her parents on the farm and with her siblings until she went away to school in Ann Arbor to become a Registered Nurse in Psychiatric medicine.

While Kathleen was at U of M she found and became re-acquainted and fell in love with Jack Humm, who she actually knew from back home – Jack was from Sickles and a few years behind Kathleen.   Jack was in Dental School at U of M and once he graduated, they married and moved back to their home territory settling in Ithaca where Jack practiced Dentistry and Kathleen became a home maker and mother of three children – William, Avis and Mary.  

Over the years, Kathleen became very involved in the community forming many wonderful relationships and performing endless amounts of volunteer work through local organizations (The Ithaca United Methodist Church, PEO, AAUW).  Both Kathleen and Jack were heavily involved in the Gratiot County Historical & Genealogical Society, eventually becoming curators for the Historical Museum in Ithaca for many years.

Most important to Kathleen, however was family.  She was a dedicated daughter to her parents, sister to her siblings (and their spouses and children) and mother and grandmother to her own children and grandchildren.   Kathleen made sure that the family bond was reinforced through many, many trips and gatherings of grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins from both the Humm and Andrews sides of the family. 

Kathleen was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Jack Humm, her parents Paul and Beulah Andrews, her in-laws Ruth and Orba Humm; her brothers Teddy, Bob and Bill; her brothers-in-law: Duane Humm, Eugenio Zamarripa, Calvin Miller; her sisters-in-law: Marceline (Humm) Zamarripa, Helena (Bob) Andrews, her nephew James Zamarripa, her niece Jean Andrews and her grandson Anthony Calhoun.  She is survived by her siblings and their spouses: Avis and Jack Ginther, Mary (Calvin) Miller, Doris and Lionel Bower, Art and Martha Andrews, Patricia (Bill) Wilsher, Leo and Mary Andrews, Joan and Stan Oserowsky, John and Martha Andrews; her sister-in-law JoAnne (Duane) Peet and her children and spouses: William and Anh Humm, Avis and Blair Calhoun and Mary Humm; and her grandchildren: Ethan Humm, Avery Calhoun and Siobhan Calhoun and many, many beloved nieces and nephews.  

Kathleen loved and was loved by many and will be truly missed.

Special thanks to Myra and Rod and all of the wonderful and loving staff of Rosewood AFC who made Mom’s final months as easy and comfortable as possible.

A private graveside service will take place for the family after the first of the new year.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to either the Gratiot County Historical & Genealogical Society (PO Box 73, Ithaca, MI 48847) or the Pompeii United Methodist Church (135 W Burton St, Pompeii, MI 48874).     

The family is being served by the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.bardenfuneralhome.com.

Comments

[Lena Sanchez King]

My heart felt condolences go out to you, Mary, and your family. May happy memories fill your hearts.
Blessings to all.

[Carol & Richard Merchant]

Condolences, Mary and family. You will surely miss her, but she leaves a beautiful collection of memories for you. You've truly been blessed.
Carol and Dick Merchant

[Kathryn Moreman]

So sorry for your loss. Remembering our short visits at the museum and from Church.

[Jim Bowen]

Special thoughts and prayers to all of the extended Humm family during these trying times. Kathy was a special lady and a joy to be around growing up. She always had a Katherine Hepburn look and class about her.

[Cecille Bowen]

I became close friends with Kathy and Jack when we moved to their neighborhood. We were summer walking buddies with her sister Avis and husband, Jack Ginther. It was a great way to start the day! One of my favorite memories of Kathy is when she came home and caught someone in the house robbing them. She took after the thief, stopping at our house only long enough to tell me to call the police. Then she headed up the hill and into the parking lot of the neighboring foster care home, where she proceeded to shout for the thief to come out of the bushes. “I know you’re there!” Later, we decided that her actions were brave, but probably foolish.
Mary, Bill, and Avis, your mother was a grand lady!

[Betty Wakefield]

Bill, Avis, and Mary, We are so sorry about your mother's death. She was loved by many. I still cherish a tea pot that she gave me as a young woman when I was hosting a woman's meeting and she found out that I did not have one. She was a gem. Prayers for comfort and peace.
Betty and Doc Wakefield

[Lauren (Lori Kostal) Anderson]

Oh my goodness! The memories that flood in when thinking of Mrs. Humm! She was so talented, bright, interesting and gracious. I will be thinking of the Humm family at this time.

[Linda Weburg]

Thoughts and prayers for Mary and family. Your mom was a special lady and will surely be missed.

[Denise (Kellogg) Jaglowski]

Avis, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Your family home was always so lovely. God Bless You!

[Cyndi (Fortney) Roslund]

Bill, Avis, and Mary--I'm so sorry about the loss of your mom. My best memories are when we were kids and you lived on N, Ithaca Street across from the Gearharts. I pray the Lord bless you with peace, comfort, and healing.

[Craig Hooper]

Bill, I wish to extend my condolences to you and your sisters on the passing of your mother. I remember her well from church, and my mother was always sharing news of her Historical Museum work with me. We have all been blessed by knowing her.

[Jo Jones]

Mary, Avis, Bill and all of your Mom's Loved Ones,
May you feel surrounded with caring thoughts as you walk through the feelings of loss and love during these days. I have always admired Kathy and Jack's gifts of volunteer time dedicated to our community. Kathy set a wonderful example for her family.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Jo Jones

[Karen Gearhart Nestle]

Bill,Avis, Mary and families-I just now found out the sad news that your mother has passed away. Thinking back and remembering our childhood memories when we lived on N Ithaca St. Your mom treated all of the neighborhood kids just like her own. Lots of great memories. My deepest sympathy to all. Karen Gearhart Nestle