Alyce Ann McLaughlin, 90, of Fruitport Township, passed away August 25, 2021. She was born July 18, 1931, “number ten child” to Ray and Neda Soseman.
She is survived by a brother Clair Soseman of Omaha, NE, Sons: Michael A. (Rebecca) of Muskegon, MI, James R. (Renée) of Grand Haven, MI, David L. of Muskegon, MI, Terrance J. (Nina) of Naples, FL; Twin daughters: Kathleen M. Burress (Timothy) of Whitehall, MI and Colleen M. Clark (Jack) of Grand Haven, MI, seventeen grandchildren (Erich, Brendan, Erin, Kristi, Stephanie, Kimberly, Samantha, Amy C., Angela, Amy M., Madeline, Natalie, Rogan, Keegan, Elaina, Brianna, and Nolan), twelve great grandchildren (grandchildren (Trent, Easton, Emma, Austin, Andrew, Caiden, Campbelle, Elliot, Kylee, Sophia, Xavier, and Samson) and many beloved nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
Alyce was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Richard McLaughlin, seven brothers (Ned, Charles, George, Don, Bob, Jerry, & Jon), three sisters (Ruth & Dorothy, and Virginia), and parents (Neda and Raymond Soseman).
Alyce was born on the family farm in Bloomfield, IA, moved to Nevada, IA when she was in 2nd grade, and then to Omaha, NE when she was a sophomore. She graduated in 1950 from Omaha Technical High School where she was voted “Sweetest” and “Cutest” by her classmates. She enjoyed dances and played the marimba. She worked most of her childhood – from selling produce off of a wagon to full-time clerical work at Mutual of Omaha after high school, where she met and travelled across the US and Cuba with her girlfriends. She had fond memories growing up in a large family, corresponding with her brothers during WWII, her mother playing the organ, and dressing up her nieces.
She met and married Richard McLaughlin while he served in the Air Force in Omaha, NE. They then moved to his hometown in Michigan and started a family.
As a young wife and mother, Alyce worked at the Norge until her second child arrived. She was a contributing member of many parent groups in the Fruitport Area Schools and was instrumental in acquiring the pool, so that children could learn to swim. She was a Girl Scout and Boy Scout leader and worked for years at the voting polls in Fruitport. She very much enjoyed her yearly Soseman family reunions at Lake Wapello in Iowa and was an avid reader, and long-time league bowler at Pincrest Lanes. After her kids had grown, she worked as a food presenter at Meijer and Fruitport Foods. Her and her husband spent retirement travelling, taking many cross-country motorcycle trips, and later spending winters in Punta Gorda, FL. Throughout the years, her girlfriends met for coffee at Burger Crest. Rose Strait was a particular special friend and rarely did you see one, without the other.
The family would like to give special recognition to her caregivers: Katilyn, Tony, and Lisa who visited with Alyce in her own home. She recently moved into memory care at White Lake Assisted Living. Their caring staff let Alyce’s personality shine. She adored everyone and will be missed by all.
Visitation will be Saturday, September 18, 2021 at 10am, followed by a memorial service at 11am and luncheon at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, Michigan 49444. She is laid to rest at Pine Hill cemetery in Fruitport, MI. Donations in Alyce’s name can be made to the Agewell Services (Meals on Wheels).