Lorna Claire Ameel

Lorna Claire (McDonald) Ameel, 91, of Traverse City, passed away peacefully June 8, 2018 while surrounded by the loving family she treasured. Lorna was born to Lawrence and Teresa McDonald on May 24, 1927 in Detroit. On Sept. 17, 1949 she married James Paul "J. Paul" Ameel in Grosse Pointe. Lorna was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, friend, mom, grandma, problem solver and caregiver. With her husband, Paul, she raised 10 children. Throughout all of life's events, both large and small, she was a steady pillar of strength, love and guidance. Lorna and Paul moved to Traverse City in 1955 in search of a family- and business-friendly city. They purchased a beverage wholesale business that became Ameel Distributing Company. All of their children and many of their friends worked for the family business throughout the years. Traverse City also provided the perfect location for their family home on Grand Traverse Bay, where Lorna and Paul would spend many evenings talking and laughing on the porch overlooking the bay. She attended Catholic school at both the Dominican High School in Detroit and St. Mary's of Notre Dame. Her commitment to her faith and service were two constants in her life. She served as a eucharistic minister and choir member, as well as volunteering for over 42 years as an assistant for Fr. Frederick and for the Fr. Fred Foundation. She was passionate about education, using her talents as a Parent-Teacher Association officer promoting band, music, art and drama. She was elected to the first Immaculate Conception Board of Education in 1966 and continued in that role for over 10 years. Lorna enjoyed playing tennis, skiing, reading, playing bridge and doing her crosswords. Above all else, she treasured time with her family, especially Sunday dinners and family tennis tournaments. Surviving are her children, Jill (James) VanStratt, Christine Ameel (Jim Elkins), Sally (Patrick) Drilling, Eric (Luanne) Ameel, Brian Ameel, all of Traverse City, Dr. Timothy (Sandra) Ameel, of Salt Lake City, Jeffrey (Dawn) Ameel, of Clearwater Beach, Florida, Mark (Colleen) Ameel, of Boyne City, Margaret (David) Maine, of Saginaw, and Ross Ameel, of Grand Rapids. Also surviving are 22 cherished grandchildren, Mac (Heather) VanStratt, Nick (Kristin) VanStratt, Casey (Matt) Stachnik, Kelly (John) Timmermans, Kyra (Michael) Poehlman, Sarah (Kevin) Davey, Corinne (Rob) Baker, Caitlin (Tommy) Stalteri, Alexandra (Paul) Gutierrez, Britta, Kristen, Matthew (Christine), Heather, Courtney, Reed, Grant, Parker, Quinn and Sam Ameel and Adam, Emily and Hannah Maine; and 25 great-grandchildren. Lorna was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents; a sister, Lois; and a brother, Alan. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Visitation will be at the church from 10 a.m. until time of the service. The Rev. Fr. James Hayden will serve as celebrant. The family wishes to thank Dr. William Smith, Mick Crandall, the compassionate staff of Orchard Creek Skilled Nursing and the Munson Hospice caregivers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund or the Father Fred Foundation. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Lorna's family at her tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home of Traverse City.

Lorna Claire Ameel

May 24, 1927 - June 8, 2018