Former Grafton area resident Bernice Dickman Kosey, 95, died Dec. 6, at Bayside Village nursing home in L’Anse, Mich.

She was born in Milwaukee on April 21, 1915, the eldest daughter of Michael and Helen Dickman.

She grew up in Grafton, and graduated from Grafton High School.

On March 19, 1935, she married Paul Kosey in Houghton, Mich.

He preceded his wife in death in 1994.

At the age of 50, Mrs. Kosey attended St. Joseph School of Nursing in Hancock, Mich., graduating as a certified nurse’s aide.

Mrs. Kosey devoted much of her life to serving the elderly. She became involved with the Upper Michigan Community on Aging, organizing senior programs and serving on the non-profit group’s board of directors for 20 years.

Mrs. Kosey was also the first director of Baragaland Senior Citizens, Inc., retiring after 22 years.

She served on the boards of many community groups, including Baraga-Houghton-Keweenaw Community Action, Baraga County Transit Authority and various local housing commissions.

After moving to Ontonagon, Mich., Mrs. Kosey continued her involvement with senior causing, serving on the Gogebic-Ontonagon County Commission on Aging and as president of the Riverview Senior Center.

In recognition of her activism, she received the Gerald Wyman Award for outstanding service to Michigan’s elderly and was invited to the White House.

Mrs. Kosey is survived by her daughter Pauline Wesander, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren.
She is further survived by her daughter-in-law Patricia Kosey and sister-in-law Alice Kosey.
In addition to her husband, Mrs. Kosey was preceded in death by her son Ron, daughter Joan, brother Elroy Dickman and sister Madeline Freitag.

A memorial service will be held in spring at Cane Funeral Home in Ontonagon, Mich. Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Ontonagon.

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