Wendy Osborn

Wendy Kerrin Osborn, age 61, of Portage, MI, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 4, 2025, at Centrica Rose Arbor Place Hospice Center, surrounded by her loving family.

Wendy was born on May 1, 1964, in South Bend, IN to Kay and Jack Osborn. She was raised on Eagle Lake in Edwardsburg, MI, where she developed a lifelong love for the water—boating, waterskiing, and making memories with friends and family. Her childhood was filled with joyful summers and adventurous trips to Colorado to visit her grandparents, Levend (Buck) and Bernice Pickens, and Aunt Karen. There, she embraced mountain life with hiking and snow skiing—activities that spoke to her adventurous spirit.

A proud graduate of Edwardsburg High School (Class of 1982), Wendy was both a cheerleader and a track runner, always full of energy and school spirit. She went on to earn an associate’s degree from Southwestern Michigan College in 1984 and a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1987.

Wendy’s professional life reflected her passion for helping others. She began her career as a paraprofessional at Mattawan Elementary, where she supported children with care and compassion. Later, she served for more than 15 years as a customer service agent at State Farm Insurance, where she was known for her reliability, kindness, and pride in serving her clients. Wendy retired in 2019.

Of all her achievements, Wendy’s greatest pride was raising her two beloved daughters, Brittany and Alecia. Becoming a grandmother to Rowan brought her immense joy. Wendy’s life was centered around her family, and she found joy in the simple pleasures: lunch dates, trips to the movies, good books, and the companionship of animals—whose love she returned in full.

Wendy is survived by her parents, Kay and Jack Osborn; her daughters, Brittany Szymczak (Ryan Tower) and Alecia Szymczak; her grandson, Rowan Tower; her brother, Scott Osborn (Catherine); her nephew, Justin Osborn; and her niece, Allison Osborn. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Levend and Bernice Pickens of Glenwood Springs, CO, and Dale and Irene Osborn of Elkhart, IN.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the dedicated teams at Bronson Methodist Hospital, Ascension Borgess-Pipp Hospital, and Centrica Rose Arbor Place for their compassionate care during Wendy’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Wendy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org or the Michigan Humane Society www.michiganhumane.org.

In accordance with Wendy’s wishes cremation has taken place and a Celebration of her life will be held at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Ln, Portage, MI 49002, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, with a time for visiting beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m. followed by a time of sharing and light refreshments.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Wendy’s guestbook and/or share a memory with her family.

The Osborn family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002. 269-344-5600.