Isabel Ann Otteson (Birke) of Mears, MI, lost her valiant fight with cancer on the morning of November 7, 2013, at age 77. She passed away at her home with her immediate family by her side.

She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Vincent Otteson; daughter, Amy Susan Otteson; son Christopher Birke Otteson; granddaughter Micah Renee Otteson; and brothers Richard (Patricia) Birke and Robert (Bonnie) Birke. She is also missed by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. We hope she is at peace with her parents, Frank and Helen Birke, and her twin sister, Helen Walsh.

She was a loving wife and mother, but she was also a professional ballroom dancer/instructor, an excellent businesswoman, talented real estate agent and was known throughout the town of Buchanan, Michigan, for her skill in organizing and running the First Presbyterian Church’s rummage sales in addition to her own. She was also very involved in the PTA while her children were young. After retiring from real estate, she spent much of her time engaged in her passion of reading; she was on a first-name basis with the staff at the Hart Library.

She did not wish to have a funeral; instead, her wish was for a lively cocktail party attended by family and friends to remember her in laughter and joy. Ask anyone who knew her to describe her in one word and that would more than likely be “fun.” That is how she wishes to be remembered. She was laid to rest in the Hart Cemetery family plot per her wishes.

The family has entrusted arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center in Ludington. Please visit Isabel's personal memory page at www.oakgrovefh.com

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