Amy M. Alden

Amy Michelle Alden, of Brooklyn, Michigan, passed away quietly August 12, 2021, at her parents Traverse City home with her mother, father and sisters at her side, following a short but brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Amy was born on February 24, 1970 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing to her parents, Gary and Sheila Alden. The family made several moves, including to East Lansing, Columbus, Ohio and finally, Ypsilanti, where Amy attended school in the Lincoln Consolidated system. Amy was a dedicated worker with a strong ethic. Among other pursuits, she waitressed, managed an Ann Arbor flower shop, and helped manage an Irish Hills-area market. Amy in particular loved the outdoors. She spent many an afternoon fishing and swimming on Evans Lake in Tipton. She was also a fervent animal lover. During her short time in Traverse City she befriended a neighborhood dog, cat, and “Rascal”, the black squirrel that tried to invade her bird feeder. Amy loved flowers and decorative solar lights, and quickly transformed her parent’s patio into a beautiful personal oasis. Amy was above all else, a kind and thoughtful person. She was consistently wanting to do for others, and was known for her excellent gift-giving. She had a cute sense of humor, often interjecting her signature single-syllable laugh into her conversations. Amy was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents and paternal grandfather. She is survived by her mother, Sheila Ann (Hardesty) Alden and father, Gary Kenneth Alden of Traverse City; sisters Erin (Joe) Baker of Milan, and Abigail (Mark) Barth of Traverse City; nephews Austin Barth and Shane Baker and niece Saerin Hannah Barth; Grandmother Mary Lee Alden; significant other Doug Secord; stepson Brandin Secord; dear friend Michelle White, and many cousins. A memorial gathering honoring Amy will take place Saturday, September 25, from 1:30PM-3:30PM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home, 305 Sixth Street, Traverse City, MI 49684. Afterwards, Amy’s family invites all who wish to attend a dinner reception at Minerva’s Restaurant, from 4-6PM, 300 E. State Street, Traverse City. The family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful caregivers from Munson Hospice and Just Like Family who went above and beyond to make Amy’s last days comfortable. Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice, https://www.munsonhealthcare.org/munson-healthcare-foundations, or your local Humane Society. Memories and condolences may be shared on Amy’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com

Amy M. Alden

February 24, 1970 - August 12, 2021