Obituary of Cecilia L. Whalen

Cecilia L. (Pearce) Whalen, 89, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Niles, passed away on Friday, May 31st, 2013, at Rose Arbor Hospice Residence in Kalamazoo, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 18, 1924 in Norbury, England to the late Arthur and Annie (Bailey) Pearce. During World War II, Cecilia was swept off her feet by Donald L. Whalen, a U.S. soldier. The couple married in Sutton Coldfield, England on April 6, 1944. Cecilia worked as a bus conductress during the war in England. During the blackouts, she had to walk in front of the bus, lighting the way with her flashlight. After moving to Niles, Michigan, Cecilia was employed at Simplicity Pattern Company for nearly 10 years, and was a gifted homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, knitting, growing flowers and birdwatching. Cecilia and Donald enjoyed traveling across the U.S. and overseas. The couple also loved dancing, and they were members of the South Bend Shoe and Slipper Club. She was a member of the Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Whalen, son Paul Whalen and thirteen brothers and sisters. Cecilia is survived by daughter Linda Livingston of Kalamazoo, son Brian and Brian's wife, Kimberly Whalen of Kalamazoo, and grandson Paul Livingston of Atlanta, Georgia. A time of remembrance will be held at Brown Funeral Home in Niles on Monday, June 3, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Her family will gather privately for a committal service at South Union Cemetery in Berrien Center. Memorial contributions may be made in Cecilia's memory to March of Dimes 1930 West Milham Rd., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI, 49024.