Cecily Franklin
May 3rd, 1983 - October 29th, 2023
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Cecily's Obituary
Cecily Elizabeth Kerlin Franklin, 40, of Watervliet, died suddenly on Sunday, October 29, 2023, at Corewell Health Lakeland Hospital. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 5th, at 2:00 PM, with Pastor Jeffrey Hubbers officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Water Street Glassworks - Fired Up Teen After School Program, 140 Water Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 or Friends of Berrien County Animal Control, PO Box 12, Riverside, MI 49084. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Cecily was born on May 3, 1983, in Groton, CT, and was raised by Heidi (Hopmoen) Koehler. She graduated from Coloma High School in 2002, choosing to continue her education by attending Lake Michigan College. Throughout her school years, Cecily excelled in the arts, taking part in band, choir, and art classes. She loved creating special hand-crafted works of art and giving them to friends or family, whether it was jewelry, custom mandala pictures, or upscaling discarded items. You could always tell they were gifts which truly came from the heart. Another passion of Cecily’s was cooking incredible, gourmet, multi-course meals for her family. Her skill level and diligence were unbeatable; however, baking a simple cookie remained a source of frustration for her. Cecily was a beautiful woman, who tirelessly helped anyone in need and her loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Cecily is survived by her parent, Heidi (Mitch) Koehler; husband, Eric Franklin; children, Ameria Cogswell, and Adele & Arwen Finehout; siblings, Stephanie (Corey) James, Timothy Adam (Brittney) Kerlin III, and Margrethe (Owen Cole II) Kerlin; nieces and nephews, Esmé & Aimée James, Piper & Emmitt Kerlin, Ezra Bernard Nigro & Michael Faultersack; beloved aunt and uncle, Carmella & Bernie Kowalski; former spouse, friend, and co-parenting partner, Steven Finehout.
Cecily was preceded in death by her stepfather, Michael Realmuto (6/01/1054 – 1/29/2014) and sister, Quinn Arielle Kerlin (11/09/1989 – 7/11/2022).
Cecily was born on May 3, 1983, in Groton, CT, and was raised by Heidi (Hopmoen) Koehler. She graduated from Coloma High School in 2002, choosing to continue her education by attending Lake Michigan College. Throughout her school years, Cecily excelled in the arts, taking part in band, choir, and art classes. She loved creating special hand-crafted works of art and giving them to friends or family, whether it was jewelry, custom mandala pictures, or upscaling discarded items. You could always tell they were gifts which truly came from the heart. Another passion of Cecily’s was cooking incredible, gourmet, multi-course meals for her family. Her skill level and diligence were unbeatable; however, baking a simple cookie remained a source of frustration for her. Cecily was a beautiful woman, who tirelessly helped anyone in need and her loving heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Cecily is survived by her parent, Heidi (Mitch) Koehler; husband, Eric Franklin; children, Ameria Cogswell, and Adele & Arwen Finehout; siblings, Stephanie (Corey) James, Timothy Adam (Brittney) Kerlin III, and Margrethe (Owen Cole II) Kerlin; nieces and nephews, Esmé & Aimée James, Piper & Emmitt Kerlin, Ezra Bernard Nigro & Michael Faultersack; beloved aunt and uncle, Carmella & Bernie Kowalski; former spouse, friend, and co-parenting partner, Steven Finehout.
Cecily was preceded in death by her stepfather, Michael Realmuto (6/01/1054 – 1/29/2014) and sister, Quinn Arielle Kerlin (11/09/1989 – 7/11/2022).
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