Lynne Batchelder

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NAUBINWAY - Lynne Batchelder, age 59, of W12361 East River Road (Hiawatha Club), PO Box 145, Naubinway, MI, 49762, lost her long-fought battle with cancer on November 8, 2008 at her home, surrounded by family. Everyone she encountered was blessed by having known her. She touched many people from a business perspective as well as personally. Lynne was committed to finding a way to right all wrongs and strongly stood behind her convictions to make sure justice always prevailed. Her clients, friends and relatives knew her as a person of the utmost integrity as she touched many and will be so deeply missed.

Born on May 2, 1949, in Dowagiac, MI, Lynne was the daughter of Guerda and the late Lindsley Frenette. As a young child they moved to Gulliver where she attended Manistique Area Schools and graduated with the class of 1967. She continued her education at Lake Superior State University where she met the love of her life, John C. Batchelder. With the exception of a year in Alaska, they lived in communities throughout the Upper Peninsula, including Marquette, during their forty years of marriage.

Lynne followed in the footsteps of her father with a passion for land and real estate. During her time in Marquette she founded Select Realty. She held many other positions in real estate and loan brokerages, most recently the Regional Manager as well as Broker for Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty. She loved teaching her craft to others with the highlight of her career as an instructor of real estate at Northern Michigan University. Her family took great pride in her accomplishments; however, she saw her greatest achievement as helping each individual or family find and secure the home of their dreams.

Well-established and making friends wherever she went, she was involved in Kiwanis, Zonta, Rotary, Michigan Association of Realtors, U.P. Association of Realtors, Eastern U.P. Board of Realtors, Marquette Land Builders Exchange, Hiawatha Sportsmen's Club, the local Bible study group, Merchants Association of Naubinway and Engadine, Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum Board of Directors, Mackinac County Economic Development Committee and Mackinac Habitat for Humanity.

Lynne's love for her family was endless and she spent time with them making crafts, tending her flower garden, enjoying the outdoors and being their confidant. She is survived by her husband, John C. Batchelder of Naubinway, and daughters, Joan M. Batchelder of Middleton, WI and Sharon (Charles) Syers of Manistique. Her grandchildren were the light of her life; Alan and Ashley Sims, Courtney, Charlie and Jake Syers, Megan (Darek) Thomas and great-grandson Douglas Thomas. She is also survived by her mother, Guerda Frenette; sisters, Jillonne (Bruce) Kauss of Springhill, FL, Cynthia (Richard) Pawley of Manistique, Vicki (Bruce) Parker of Dimondale, Julie (Jerry) Gregurash of Temple, TX and Susan (David) Watson of Fayetteville, NC; as well a brother, L. Charles (Terrie) Frenette; many nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Lindsley B. Frenette in 2007.

Her family will forever be indebted to the Naubinway community and the Healthcare/Hospice Staff from LMAS for their outpouring of love and support to Lynne during her lengthy illness.

Lynne asked that we remember her mantra, Psalms 118:24 "This is the day that the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it," as we celebrate her life.

The celebration will be held at Messier-Broullire Funeral Home in Manistique, MI, Thursday, November 13, 2008, with visitation beginning at 4 p.m. and the service at 7 p.m.