Fransetta Cemery Merenda

Elk Rapids – Cemery Merenda, 70, of Elk Rapids entered into eternal life on April 20, 2017.

Cemery was born on April 24, 1946 in Detroit to the late Robert and Patricia (McKnight) Papineau. She spent her child hood on Sylvan Lake in West Bloomfield with her grandparents Basil and Edith McKnight.

Cemery graduated from West Bloomfield Hills High School. She went on to study at the University of Michigan. She met the love of her life in the summer of 1965, James "Jim" Merenda. Cemery and Jim married on September 3, 1966 in Farmington. Cemery was the devoted mother of Claudia Edna Merenda and Daniel Mac James Merenda. Claudia was born with physical disabilities and Cemery fought to give her the best life possible.

Cemery was a gifted writer and painter. She made a special collection of art that included braille for individuals who were blind. Cemery also loved listening to music; Elvis was one of her favorites. She enjoyed watching the wild life outside of her home on Elk Lake. She and Jim wintered in Southern Utah and Alabama so that they could be close to Daniel. Above all else, Cemery cherished time with her family, especially her grandsons Ethan and Gavin. She looked forward to the birth of her third grandchild whom is due this spring.

Cemery is survived by her husband of 50 years Jim, daughter Claudia of Traverse City and son Daniel (Amber) Merenda of Madison, AL and grandsons Ethan and Gavin.

Cemerys faith was very important to her. Now in the hands of her Heavenly Father, the family will celebrate her life privately.

Memorial contributions in memory of Cemery may be directed to Munson Hospice House.

The family is being cared for by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.