June Ellen Stanton

June Ellen Stanton, age 71, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2019 at River Valley Hope Network where she has been a resident for many years. June was born in Boston, Massachusetts on June 23, 1948. She was the daughter of Robert and Mildred (Perkins) Stanton. She grew up in her early childhood days with her mother in Massachusetts. She began her caretaking days at the age of four when she cared for her half-siblings, changing their diapers and making sure that they had food to eat. Her helping people continued on wherever she lived. Staff and residents often commented that she made sure that her roommates were well cared for even in the middle of the night. She moved to the Grand Rapids area during her teen years to be closer to her father, Robert Stanton. Life was not easy for June. She struggled with mental health issues most of her life.  And her illness required frequent hospitalizations. For the past 20 years, June has lived in a Hope Network Long-term Adult Care Place, the last eight years at River Valley. June had a very strong work ethic even making sure that her room and bathroom were neat and tidy including her roommate's area. She was dedicated to her work even when it was very difficult for her to breathe and she had to use a walker. She used to say, “I like to work because it keeps me busy and keeps my mind in reality.” She also made sure that she got paid at the end of each month. June was a woman of few words but had a sense of humor and quick wit. She was known for her kindness, for taking care of her peers and for her generous hugs, back rubs, and words “I love you.” Although she was quiet, she was intelligent and quite observant and even though she was quiet she had a strong inner strength, sense of resilience and determination. As much as she could possibly be, she was her own person.  When she wasn’t working, you could find her crocheting small change purses or knitting beautiful scarves and Afghans.  She even donated a few of her Afghans to a Michigan Ballet Academy Gala fundraiser to purchase equipment for the dance studio. June did not have any family in the area, but she met Jane Stockinger and her daughter, Suzanne, through the Servants’ Center’s “Trusted Friend” program in 1995.  June gradually learned to trust the two women and began joining the family for special holiday celebrations. She will be greatly missed by Jane Stockinger and her family, Suzanne (Stockinger) Minard, Chris and Janyre (Stockinger) Tromp, Sean and Karen (Surowiec) Stockinger, Ben Stockinger and their respective families. June will also be greatly missed by fellow residents and the staff at River Valley who for many many years faithfully cared for June with kindness and compassion. Surviving June are Richard Duffy and Millie Allwood, half-siblings who reside in the state of Massachusetts and niece, Laura (Riley) Schrit of Colorado.  June was preceded in death by her mother, Mildred (Perkins) (Stanton) Duffy and several half-brothers and her father, Robert Stanton. There will be a visitation and memorial service on Friday, August 30, 2019 at River Valley, Hope Network, 1450 Leonard St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505. The visitation will take place at 1:00 pm (one hour before the service). The Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 pm with Rev Bruce Vaandrager officiating. Interment – Washington Park Memorial Gardens.  Memorial contributions may be made to “Paws With A Cause.”

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