Obituaries

We now have over 7,000 obituaries collected about the interred here at Silverbrook Cemetery.

The obituaries are transcribed by the volunteers of the Friends of Silverbrook Cemetery from various sources.  If you see an opportunity for an addition or a correction, please email our obituary editor at obits@friendsofsilverbrook.org.

Draper, Carol A. (Line) 1943-2025

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Carol A. Draper
January 26, 1943-October 14, 2025

Published in South Bend Tribute, South Bend, Ind., online October 16, 2025:

Carol A. (Line) Draper, 82, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka, Indiana.

She was born on January 26, 1943 in Niles, Michigan to the late Arthur and Olive (Adams) Line.

On April 25, 1964, Carol married the love of her life, Daniel Draper, who survives. She is also survived by her son, Todd Draper of South Bend; her sister, Marvelyn Berlincourt; nieces Lisa Berlincourt, Shelley Berlincourt, and Ann Tapper (Christopher); nephew Kent Berlincourt; great-nephews Keegan and Darrian Berlincourt; and sister-in-law Judith Draper. She was preceded in death by her, sister-in-law Donna Draper, brothers-in-law, Eugene Berlincourt and Robert Draper, Jr., and niece Misty Berlincourt.

Carol had a great capacity for love and generosity, often acting as a second mother to many. Among those she held close were Patricia M. Brien of South Bend, Adam Lingerfelt (John Michael) of Seattle, Washington, and Brian Malone (Da Sun) of Santa Cruz, California.

A graduate of Niles High School (Class of 1961), Carol began her career as Assistant Treasurer at Niles Federal Savings & Loan before choosing to stay home to raise her family. Later, she worked alongside her husband as Vice President of Nationwide Janitorial Service.

Carol loved gardening and could be often found “playing in the dirt” as she called it, making her yard look beautiful for herself and others to enjoy. Music was another passion, she traveled near and far to see her favorite artists perform, particularly enjoying Bruce Springsteen concerts with her son, Todd. Above all, Carol cherished her family, both birth family and chosen family. She faced her journey with Alzheimer’s with grace and dignity, keeping her warmth and spirit alive even as her memory faded.

The family would especially like to thank The Center for Hospice staff who took care of Carol with the utmost respect and compassion.

A visitation for Carol will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 12:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home in South Bend. A Celebration of Life will follow from 2:30 pm until 3:30 pm. A private burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Carol’s honor to The Hospice Foundation (www.foundationforhospice.org) or The Alzheimer’s Foundation (alzfnd.org).

 

Grice, Rachael Irene (Jordan) 1936-2025

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Rachel Irene Grice
August 30, 1936  -  October 19, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Rachel Grice of Niles, Michigan who passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 19, 2025 at West Woods of Niles.

Rachel was born on August 30, 1936 in Tampa, Florida to Richard and Ruby (Hancock) Jordan. Her family moved to Niles, Michigan in 1946. On June 1, 1957 in Niles, Michigan, she married Donald R. Grice who preceded her in death on December 9, 1984.

Rachel attended the old Central High School in Niles, Michigan and was employed at various Niles businesses including The Economy Drug Store which was at 4th and Main Street, Simplicity Pattern Co, Majereks Hallmark, Sheller Globe, and retired from the Niles YMCA.

Rachel was the most selfless mother to her three children, Katherine Flatt, Fred (Kathy) Grice, and Karen (Tim) Snyder, all of Niles, Michigan. She was a devoted grandma to Scott (Kristen) Grice of Niles, Michigan, Eric (Maria) Flatt of Carmel, Indiana, Timothy (Mary) Snyder of Niles, Michigan, Ryan Grice of Cassopolis, Michigan, and Kelly (Rob) Pickering of Taylor, Michigan. She was always first to offer her help when needed.

Rachel is also survived by her great grandchildren, Kaylee (Nick) Mills, Dakodah and Ray Pickering, Ava and Hunter Grice, Kinsley and Bryson Flatt, and her great-great granddaughter, Everlee Mills.

Rachel was also the best grandma to her granddogs! Always first to volunteer to dogsit. You always knew they were in good hands with her.

For as long as Rachel and Don were married, she was the sole driver of many, many fishing trips, always a Station Wagon with a John Boat loaded on top, pulling a travel trailer which she managed to back into camping spots with precision! She has caught, cleaned, and cooked more fish than we could ever count.

Rachel enjoyed her many trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. She always said there was nothing better than sitting around a campfire or relaxing on the porch.

Rachel will have quite the homecoming! She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; siblings, Richard (Buddy) Jordan, Ronald (Gene) Jordan, Roy Jordan, Rosemary Kline, Ruthann Wasson, Ruby Naragon, Roberta (Christine) Crossley, and Roger Jordan, along with many other family and friends.

Per Rachel’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a private Graveside Service held at Silverbrook Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband Don. She has requested that some of her ashes be scattered around the fire pit at the cabin up north and some in Lake Superior, two places she loved to be.

Memorial contributions may be made out to any local animal shelter or the Niles YMCA.

Love Lives on in the hearts we leave behind.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

 

Kaiser, Rosemary Cochran 1935-2025

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Rosemary Kaiser
February 22, 1935-May 31, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Rosemary Kaiser, 90, passed away on Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Fennville, Michigan.

Rosemary was born on February 22, 1935, in Niles, Michigan, to the late Charles Cochran and Letta Vernice (Stubbs) Cochran.

Along with her parents, Rosemary was preceded in death by her loving husband, Kenneth Lee Kaiser; brother, Norman Glenn Cochran, and one younger brother.

Left to cherish the memory of Rosemary is her sister, Norma (Ross) Stancati; nieces, Sarah Stancati and Kathy (Doug) Pasley; nephew, Rodney (Ceecee) Cochran; great nephews, Dustin and Seth; grandchildren, Kate Kaiser and Keith Kaiser, and great granddaughter, Laine Borst.

Rosemary lived a full life surrounded by her beloved family and cherished animals whom she loved very much.

Rosemary will be remembered fondly for her vibrant spirit and the joy she brought to those around her. She had a profound love for reading, gardening—both flowers and vegetables—and hosting Christmas and Thanksgiving gatherings, which were her favorite times of the year.

Rosemary passionately upheld the annual post-Thanksgiving shopping expedition, an event she enjoyed sharing with her sister. In this tradition, Rosemary found not just the joy of gift-seeking but a special time bonding with her sister.

Together with her granddaughter Kate, Rosemary enjoyed countless afternoons spent at Barnes & Noble, dinner and drinks at Hacienda, and discovering treasures at T.J. Maxx.

Every summer, Rosemary looked forward to visiting Pine Lake with her sister and brother, creating lasting memories in the sun. Her dedication to her family was unwavering, and she will be deeply missed.

In keeping with Rosemary’s wishes, there will be no services held at this time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.

 

Phot

Dellinger, Greg F. 1939-2023

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Greg F. Dellinger
March 26th, 1939 - October 26th, 2023

Published on Starks Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Greg F. Dellinger, 84, of Niles passed away on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at home with his family at his side.

A celebration of life gathering will be held from 4-7 pm on Wednesday, November 1, 2023 at Swem Chapel, 301 W. Front St., Buchanan. Inurnment will take place at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles, at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to an organization of your choice. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.swemchapel.com.

Greg was born on March 26, 1939, to Richard and Emily (Wales) at their home on Arctic Street in Buchanan. He graduated from Buchanan High School, class of 1957. Greg pursued further education through Tri State University, now known as Trine, where he earned a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. During his time at Tri State, Greg was a member of the Sigma Phi Delta fraternity and played baseball for the University.

In his professional life, Greg dedicated 30 years of service as the Facilities Project Manager at Clark Equipment Company before retiring. On May 23, 1964, he married Mariellen Bleasdale, and from this union had two sons, Rik and Rod Dellinger. Mariellen preceded him in death on August 4, 2002. On December 30, 2003, he married the former Carol Hamilton. Greg was an avid Notre Dame fan, passionately supporting any athletics. He was very musically inclined and learned to play the piano and ukulele at an early age.

Greg took immense pride in being a loving father and provided unwavering support to his children in all their endeavors. He actively coached many of their youth sports teams. Greg was also an avid golfer and enjoyed annual summer fishing trips to Canada with his group of friends. Greg was very outgoing, never met a stranger, and was always present with people in any moment.

Greg is survived by his wife, Carol Dellinger; sons, Rik Dellinger of Kalamazoo and Rod (Kelly) Dellinger of Marietta, GA; grandchildren, Logan and Reese Dellinger and sister-in-law, Nancy Dellinger. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Emily Dellinger; first wife, Mariellen Dellinger and brother, Dale Dellinger.

Lacy, Dorothy Jean 1948-2025

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Dorothy Jean Lacy
April 17, 1948-October 2, 2025

Published on Brown Funeral Home and Cremation Services website:

Obituary

Dorothy Jean Lacy, passed away peacefully at West Woods of Niles on October 2, 2025. She was born on April 17, 1948 in Niles, Michigan to the late Jonas and Mary Louise (Johnson) Lacy.

Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Lacy. She is survived by her sister, Patricia (Art) Handley of Niles; niece, Cindy McCabe of Arkansas and nephews, Stephen R. Hile of Ohio and Christopher Handley of North Carolina.

Dorothy loved playing BINGO with her West Woods family and enjoyed bowling in her younger years. She loved attending church services and was a member of Hope Community Church.

Dorothy was a blessing to many. She brought laughter, love, and joy to everyone around her. Her family and friends will remember Dorothy for her kind and caring nature and her unconditional love.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in honor of Dorothy have been asked to consider West Woods Activities Fund, 1211 Stateline Road, Niles, MI 49120

Graveside services to honor Dorothy will take place October 8, 2025, 2:00 p.m. at Silverbrook Cemetery.

Photos, memories, and condolences can be left for her family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

 

Morris, Kayden Sue 2009-2025

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Kayden Sue Morris
August 29, 2009 — July 2, 2025

Published on Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home website:

Kayden Sue Morris, 15, of Niles, died Wednesday, July 2, 2025.

Her life began August 29, 2009 in Niles, Michigan born to Bradley “Moe” Morris and Linda Morris.

Kayden loved music and singing. She was a member of the choir at school and bopping around the house to her tunes. She enjoyed the beach. Kayden cherished her brother, even though they fought often. She patiently and proudly loved her cat, Zeus, and her dog, Sampson. She was an avid reader especially love and romance stories.

Kayden will be greatly missed by family and friends. Her father and stepmother, Bradley “Moe” and Mary Jo Morris; her mother, Linda Morris; brother, Carl Morris, Lucus Horner; sister, Madison Horner; and her grandmother, Carlyn Morris.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Richard Morris Jr. and Michael and Sue Benjamin.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

Kayden will be laid to rest beside grandparents in Silverbrook Cemetery.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Kayden be made to Niles High School Choir, 1441 Eagle Street, Niles, Michigan 49120.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.

Fisher, Richard M. 1948-2025

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Richard M. Fisher
November 22, 1948 ~ July 24, 2025

Published on Kaniewski Funeral Home website:

Richard M. Fisher Obituary

Richard (Rick) M. Fisher passed away on July 24, 2025. He was born in South Bend on November 22, 1948, to Helen and Clement Fisher. Rick was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He attended Our Lady of Hungary School and graduated from Riley High School. He served in the Coast Guard, where he spent time in watchtowers and learned to play the guitar, as well as working as a press operator for over 20 years. A talented and well-traveled musician, Rick connected with others through his music. 

His four children survive Rick: his eldest son, Michael Fisher; his son, Steven Fisher; and his two daughters, Melissa and Jessica Fisher, along with his grandchildren. He spent the majority of his life in Roseland, South Bend, where he raised his children, tended to his garden, hosted family cookouts, and created memories with those who loved him