Margaret (Sorrells) Miller VanBrocklin is finally at peace with Our Lord and again with her many family members waiting for her in Heaven. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, around 3 p.m. at Lakeland in St. Joseph, she gently passed away completely surrounded by all her family in her typical dignified manner. Although she had many names: Margaret, Maggie, Mother, Mom, Aunt Marge, the name she absolutely loved most was "Mammer," a name all her adoring grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her, uniquely created by her first grandson, Michael.

Born on March 27, 1923, in Lenoir City, she graduated from Lenoir City High School. During her senior year she proudly wore the crown of "Miss Lenoir City" after unanimously being chosen their queen. Shortly after graduation she moved to St. Joseph with her mother. It was here, in 1941, she met and married the "love of her life" Joseph Marne Miller. Together they had five loving children. She chose to remain at home with their children, was actively involved in their many school functions, and always considered raising her family a joy and privilege not a chore.

After the death of her first husband, she met and married Merlin VanBrocklin. In 1968, they purchased Williams and Company Quality Jewelers, moving the business from Benton Harbor to St. Joseph, and together they enjoyed many wonderful years devoted to their numerous customers and friends . . . far and near. No one was ever a stranger once they came into the jewelry store. Throughout those years, nearly every daughter, granddaughter and niece worked with them and were taught the fine art and knowledge of diamonds, pearls, jewelry and watches. Every customer was treated with respect and dignity. Williams and Company Jewelers closed in late 2000, due to the death of Merlin VanBrocklin. Many a tear was shed when the key was turned for the last time.

Throughout all the years in the jewelry business, Maggie and Van supported many local children and veterans organizations; all local school events, and participated heavily in the Blossomtime Festivities – from donating the crown and watch to Miss St. Joseph to heading up the Dawn Patrol.  On Dec. 15, 1990, Maggie was honored by the St. Joseph Queen Committee, and I quote, "In recognition of Margaret VanBrocklin for many years of support and service to the Community of St. Joseph and the Miss St. Joseph Pageant. Your untiring dedication and outstanding contributions are greatly appreciated. The 1991 Miss St. Joseph Pageant is affectionately and respectfully dedicated to you." She was escorted on  stage by her son, Jack Miller, and proudly accepted a lovely engraved plaque and beautiful bouquet of red roses. She really never thought what she did was anything unusual and was left totally speechless.

Family, her many friends and her Catholic faith always remained the most important part of her life. She loved any reason to have a party and celebrate all the fun and love one family could have possibly had. Holidays and birthdays were always celebrated with old family traditions she cherished in addition to many new traditions . . . always in grand style – traditions that, for sure, will be carried on for many years to come. She was always the life of the party and the glue that held our family together. She taught us kindness, love, compassion and how important family was. We laughed, cried and always had a wonderful time together. She loved to shop but cooking was her passion. We could hardly wait for the next occasion to partake in her many delicious meals.  But, above all, she was one classy lady. We will always be grateful to her and will, for sure, be totally lost without her.

Maggie knew no strangers. She was loved and adored by everyone she met. She was like a magnet attracting young and old everywhere she went with a sense of humor compared to none. She was a kind, compassionate, generous and beautiful person, inside and out. If anyone ever needed anything at all . . . she was always the first one there to make sure they had whatever was needed or wanted and comfort them in any way possible.

Surviving are her children, Jack Sorrells (Dee) Miller; and Richard A. (Peggy) Miller, both of St. Joseph, Judith Maruk (Dana) Sheldon of Berrien Springs; Deborah L. (Douglas) Slager of Kalamazoo; Douglas J. (Debra) Miller of Benton Harbor; and her two step-children, Kenneth VanBrocklin of Sturgis and Marilyn VanBrocklin of Niles; her son-in-law, Raymond Maruk; and her devoted and special companion dog Shadow.

Also surviving are 10 grandchildren, Michael (Laurie) Maruk; Lorrie (Donald) Upson; Sheri (Geoff) Sanderson; Julie (D.C.) Smith; Heather Miller (Rob) Smith; Darren Friedburg; Eric (Alisha) Slager and Adam Slager; S. Aaron Sheldon (Tiffany) and Benjamin (Jessica) Sheldon,  both serving with the United States Navy; 19 great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Maggie Upson; James, Katelynn, Mikayla and Jasmine Maruk; David (Courtney), Chance and Rachel Smith and Tiffany Richmond; Erika, Emily and Erinn Sanderson; Amara and Liam Smith; Mason Marne Slager; Tatiana and Simone Sheldon and Elijah Sheldon; her nephews, William Dirk (Morgan) Sorrells and George "Nick" Miller, both of St. Joseph; Michael (Fran) VanBrocklin and Bob VanBrocklin; and by her nieces: Dawn Miller Piraino of St. Joseph, Dorothy (Kevin) Moley, Joan (Fred) Wagner and Patty (Jay) Smith.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph Marne Miller in 1965; her second husband, Merlin E. VanBrocklin in 2000; her parents, William G. Sorrells and Lorraine Duggan Johnson; one brother, William G. Sorrells; one nephew, David Alan Miller; her daughter-in-law Nanci Miller; one grandson, Scott Alan Miller and by one great-granddaughter, Vaeda Marie Slager.

The last nearly two years of her life were spent at Caretel Inn and Royalton Manor of St. Joseph, both of whom we owe much gratitude for their love, friendship and excellent care.  Thanks also go to Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, for their untiring hours and hours of dedication, kindness, care and compassion; to Hospice at Home for answering all our many questions, addressing our concerns, giving comfort in what we might expect next and especially for being there at the end to guide us. Without all their collective input, we would have been totally lost. And finally, to our "Guardian Angel," Dr. Aurora Madanguit for her unending love and dedication and excellent care, during our time of need, in the final heartbreaking days and hours at Lakeland. We will be eternally grateful to her for lifting our hearts, helping us smile and always being there for us. She was a gift from God sent to help us. We all thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 1, at Starks and Menchinger Funeral Home in St. Joseph with prayer service beginning at 5:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, Nov. 2, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, in St. Joseph with the Rev. Monsignor Michael Osborn officiating. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph.

Donations in her honor may be made to: The local division of MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers); The Humane Society of Berrien County in Benton Harbor; or Animal Aide of St. Joseph.