Longtime Martin Elementary teacher Aileen Northrup passes at 81

Aileen Northrup of Martin died Friday, Feb. 20, at her home. She was 81.
Aileen was born April 7, 1933, in Fennville, to Clare Schultz and H. Marie (Parrish) Schultz. She graduated from Fennville High School in 1951 and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University.
She married Elwin Northrup on June 13, 1959. They moved in 1960 to Martin, where Aileen lived for 55 years. She was an elementary school teacher for 29 years, 25 of which were in the Martin school system. She touched the lives of many young students and was a kind and dedicated teacher.
Aileen was an active member of the Martin United Methodist Church. She and Elwin performed at church and community events with Aileen playing accordion while Elwin sang. She traveled throughout the United States and went to Europe.
She enjoyed her cottage at Hutchins Lake near Fennville where she entertained friends and family. She especially loved the time she spent with her grandchildren.
Aileen was preceded in death by her parents and by her infant sister, Wanda. Her husband, Elwin, died in 1994.
She is survived by her sons, Ron (Diane) Northrup of Comstock Township and Tom Northrup of Prairieville Township; daughter Amy (Steve) Collins of Hastings; grandchildren Amanda and Matthew Northrup, and Ronnie, Kayleigh and Allison Collins; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Norris and Dona Northrup of Allegan and Doyal and Betty Northrup of Portage; nieces Sally Beyer, Connie Kirk and Ginny Cronkhite; and many cousins.
Aileen battled kidney cancer, having one kidney removed in 1967, with her remaining kidney removed in 2009. She set an example of enjoying life while living with the challenge of six years of kidney dialysis. Her faith and positive attitude in the face of tremendous odds has served as an inspiration for her family, church family and caregiver community.
Services were held Monday, Feb. 23,  at Martin United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.