Obituaries 5-29-08

Russell C “Russ” Cockerill, 85, of Davison, died on Friday, May 16, 2008 at Genesys Regional Medical Center.

Russell was born in Flint, Michigan on October 18, 1922 the son of the late Clyde and Nettie (Stork) Cockerill and had resided in the Davison area for over seventy-five years. He was joined in marriage to Lauretta Malzac Sept. 17, 1943 and she preceded him in death on June 4, 1997.

Answering the call of his country Russ served in the U.S. Coast Guard in WWII in the Pacific Theater. Russell also served his community as a Davison Township Constable. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and coached Little League at the VFW for over twenty years. Russell was a member of VFW Post 4087 of Davison and owned and operated both Davison Furnace Company and Davison Mini storage. In the 1960s. Russ also owned and operated the Side Pocket Pool Hall in Downtown Davison.

Surviving are children, Russell P. & Susan Cockerill of Williamston., Jacque Beggs of Flint, Keith & Kathryn Cockerill of Lapeer, Carol and Tim Sadler of Goodrich; Grandchildren, Christopher McNicol , Eric (Gloria) Cockerill, Marc (Sarah) Cockerill Jonathan Cockerill, Jessica Cockerill and Kyle Sadler; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers, Harold Cockerill and Ernest Cockerill; sisters, Lucille Slankard, Joyce Lynn, and Carolyn Cockerill; and a host of other relatives.

He was preceded in death by granddaughter, Jeanette Parker; sister, Dora Campbell; brother, Kenneth Cockerill; brother-in-law, Jerry Campbell; sister-in-laws, Marilyn Cockerill, Dorothy, Cockerill, Betty Cockerill.

Contributions are being made in Russ’s memory to the VFW Post 4087 Building Fund or the American Cancer Association.

A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 20, 2008 at the Hansen Funeral Home Groves Chapel, Downtown Davison. Pastor Todd I. Frustj officiated. Burial was in Davison Cemetery.

Shirley L. (Massoglia) Houle, 81, of Flint, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at Hurley Medical Center.

Shirley was born in Calumet, MI, October 20, 1926, daughter of the late John and Lucielle (Bonifante) Massoglia. She moved from the U.P. to Flint in 1950. Shirley graduated from Calumet High School in 1944. Shirley Massoglia married Peter C. Houle on October 21, 1950 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Calumet. She was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church since 1955. Shirley was a member of the Catholic Business Woman’s Club, St. Mary Alter Society, Immaculate Conception Guild and St. Mary Senior Citizens. She worked for several years in retail in downtown Flint.

Shirley was the matriarch of the Massoglia-Houle family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. God bless her and her family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hurley Medical Center, especially Lisa Lindsey, NPA.

Shirley is survived by husband, Peter C. Houle; daughter, Gaile Kennedy, RN; son, David (Cindy) Houle; grandchildren, Sean (Dustin) Kennedy, Megan and Bridget Kennedy, Ryan (Jamie) Houle, Eric (Nicole) Houle and Tara Houle; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh, Gabrielle, Jarek and Ava; brothers, Jack (Sandra) Massoglia, Michael (Noel) Massoglia, Dennis (Nancy) Massoglia, David Massoglia and Bobby Massoglia.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Dorothy Chopp and Madge Wendel and granddaughter, Tiffany R. Kennedy.

Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10 AM Friday, May 30, 2008 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 2500 N. Franklin Ave., Flint, Rev. Fr. Santhiyagu Arockiyasamy Celebrant. The family will receive visitors at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 E. Davison Rd., Davison on Thursday from 4-7 PM. On Friday, visitation will be at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. A Rosary will be prayed 6:30 PM Thursday.

Arrangements entrusted to Allen Funeral Home.