Obituaries
Lauraine M. Paladino
Lauraine Marian Paladino, thoughtful, cheerful and bright, of Charlotte, died December 28, 2020. Lauraine, 76, was born January 14, 1944 in Brooklyn, N.Y. She was the oldest of eight children born to Raymond and Mary (Smith) Reynolds. She was a natural caregiver and was looked upon by her siblings as more of a mother than a sister. She often put others’ needs ahead of her own. She excelled and enjoyed her artistic abilities whether it was drawing, stained glass, playing her accordion or photography. Lauraine participated in the John F. Kennedy presidential campaign, and enjoyed being a “Kennedy Girl.” Retired from General Motors, she had more time to enjoy with her grandchildren. She was proud of her Russian/Irish heritage and her red hair, but if you asked her what she was most proud of, family and grandkids would be at the top of the list.
Lauraine is survived by her children, Michelle (Jim) Taylor, and David (Susan) Paladino; grandchild, Aiden Myers; siblings, Joyce Proto, Rose Vosilla, Elaine Mudry, Phyllis Muro, John Reynolds. She was predeceased by her sister, Rita Remillard; brother, Raymond Reynolds; significant other, Larry Weicht; and her beloved grandson, Liam Myers, whom she helped care for.
Friends are encouraged to support Lauraine’s family. Funeral services are Saturday, January 2, 2021,11 a.m. at Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte with Pastor Neil Brady officiating. Visitation was held on Friday evening, January 1, from 6 – 8 p.m. Mask, group capacity and distancing guidelines will be practiced. The funeral will also be webcast so you may watch it from any computer, smartphone, or mobile device that has internet access. Go to PrayFuneral.com, click on Lauraine’s tribute, then click on photos and videos from your computer (or media from your smart phone). Just prior to the beginning of the service, a link will appear on this page to watch the webcast.
Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Lauraine on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Tammy Jo Gallaway
Tammy Jo Gallaway, an easy going, happy, outgoing and active young lady, died peacefully on Sunday, December 27, 2020 in Charlotte. Tammy, 56, of Charlotte, was born December 20, 1964 in Lansing, the daughter of Fran and Sue (Robinson) Gallaway. She attended Beekman Center in Lansing and enjoyed horseback riding and 4H, bocce ball, music, dancing, cheerleading, and trips to the Au Sable River. Tammy was very active in the Special Olympics, and many will remember her as the poster child for the George Perles Special Olympics Golf Outing. She also participated in cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The family will always cherish their family trips to Disney World. Many will remember her concern for others and her love for family.
Tammy is survived by her parents, Fran and Sue Gallaway; brothers, Greg (Erin) Gallaway and Robert (Lucinda) Gallaway; godmother, Nancy Nostrant; “second mom,” Mary Lou Swincicki; her nieces and nephews; uncle, Doug (Mary) Robinson; The Sunrose Neighborhood and her LCC Buddies. She was predeceased by her grandparents and her godfather, Gary Volker.
If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Eaton County Health and Rehab Services Activities Fund. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Tammy on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.
Brian Christopher Harag, age 32, of Chicago, formerly of Charlotte, passed away Thursday, December 24, 2020. He was born November 6, 1988, in Lansing, the son of Brian Harag and Kristy Sherman. Brian was an amazing son and shining star to his grandparents. All of his aunts and uncles bided for time spent with him. He was a welcomed opponent to his numerous cousins and countless friends. Brian was an accomplished pianist, academically well versed, writer, poet, composer, and self-taught culinary wizard. He graduated from Charlotte High School in 2007 and then went on to earn his Master’s Degree from Loyola University. He gave his love and friendship freely, was always ready to laugh, celebrate triumphs, or simply sit and talk the night away. Brian was always ready for an adventure. He had a mischievous side that would present itself every once in a while, like when he got lost in Paris on a study abroad trip.
We will miss his laugh and unapologetic personality. We will miss his smile, bright and earnest. We will miss his mischievous grin. We will miss his jokes, even if they were all a bit corny.
Brian is survived by his mother, Kristy (Steve Titmus) Kenyon; father, Brian (Lou Ann) Harag; sister, Shelby Kenyon; niece, Atlie Yelinek; partner and love of his life, Greg Storms; special friends, Stephanie McAuliffe-Horgan, Hannah Sellers; buddy and partner in crime, Matt Harag; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A private family viewing will be held at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Brian’s honor to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 8701 Georgia Ave., Suite 412, Silver Springs, MD 20910.
To view Brian’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit burkhead-green-kilgo.com.
Rogene D. Pefley
Rogene “Gene” D. Pefley, age 93, of Charlotte, passed away Wednesday, December 23, 2020, at Hope Landing in Charlotte. She was born November 10, 1927, in Manistee, the daughter of Herbert and Florence (Knotts) Ringel. In 1947, Gene married Darwin Pefley in Syracuse, New York. Gene was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked to maintain a beautiful home and family her entire life. Both Gene and Darwin enjoyed their time spent in Arizona. While there they would often take a bus trip to visit the casino. Gene enjoyed bowling, pinochle, and watching TV Land reruns. She was affectionately known as the cookie monster due to her love for cookies. Lemon and oatmeal raisin were her favorites!
The family would like to thank the entire staff at Hope Landing and Hospice of Lansing for their exceptional care.
She is survived by her daughter: Darlene (Harold) Foutch of Flint, Sandra (Keith) July of Charlotte; grandson, Michael (Angie) July of Grand Rapids; and great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas, and Dominick July.
Gene was preceded in death, by her parents; husband, Darwin; and grandson, Mark July.
In keeping with Gene’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are scheduled at this time.
Those desiring, may make contributions in Gene’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Woodland Hills, California 91365 or garysinisefoundation.org.
Jaxon O’Reilly Kocher
Jaxon O’Reilly Kocher, age 15, of Eaton Rapids, Mich. passed away tragically on December 27, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident. Jaxon was born on January 29, 2005 in Lansing, Mich. the son of Nichole Pierpoint, Jennifer Geib and Seth Kocher. He was currently a tenth-grade student at Eaton Rapids High School where he excelled academically and in sports. Jaxon was a member of the football, basketball and track teams and was liked by his teammates and peers. He was social, outgoing and had an infectious smile that would light up a room. Jaxon loved the outdoors, fishing, camping, playing frisbee golf, cornhole and working on the farm. He was a diehard U of M fan and always had great pride for veterans and those who served our country. Jaxon was, above all, a great young man who was taken from this earth too soon, but his memory will live on in the lives of those he leaves behind.
He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Terry Robinson; great grandparents, Burt Warner and GG Kocher.
Surviving are his mother, Nichole (Jen Geib) Pierpoint; father, Seth Kocher; sisters, Carly Kocher, Kaitlin Lehto; grandparents, Suzanne Robinson, Thomas and Lynn Pierpoint, Timothy and Victoria Kocher, Mark and Sherri Geib; great grandparents, Jackie Warner, Mike and Bonnie Bowers; girlfriend, Courtnie Bush; best friend and cousin, Bryce Pierpoint and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at the First Baptist Church in Eaton Rapids. The family received friends at Skinner Funeral Home, Eaton Rapids Chapel on Friday, January 1, 2020 from 2 to 6 p.m. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Eaton Rapids High School Athletic Department in memory of Jaxon. To share memories or leave condolences please visit SkinnerFuneralHomes.com.