Faythe Cerutti

Curious, optimistic, and generous, Faythe Cerutti lived a life rich in family and friendship. Faythe was bubbly and inquisitive. She greeted each day with enthusiasm and gratitude, delighted to share time with people and give whatever she could to comfort and support them. Regardless of life’s hardships, Faythe always found the good in every moment. She was determined to live a good life and proved a powerful role model for all who were blessed to know her. Cherished by many, Faythe will long be remembered and so very missed.

1945 was a year marked by much celebration and hope. With the victorious end of World War II, families tuned into the celebratory tunes of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and the Andrews Sisters. At the same time, children were delighted with the debut of the Slinky. Even greater promise for the future came when Wilburt and Nina (Botterbusch) Zindt welcomed their daughter Faythe on December 12.

Faythe’s early years formed in her a strong spirit that inspired her to look for the bright side of life. After graduating from high school, Faythe attended college for one year. At 19, she married, became a mom to Dan, Bob, and Angel, and put off continuing her studies to care for her family. Sadly, her son Bob was born with congenital heart disease. Faythe gave tirelessly to support her son through his struggles until his death. After 30 years of marriage and the blessings of their three children, Faythe and her husband parted ways. However, she always remained close with her mother-in-law, Anna Cerutti, and brothers-in-law.

Naturally curious about how everything works, especially the psychology of being human, Faythe always wanted to go back and finish college. Instead, she used that thirst for knowledge as she started working as a secretary for a law firm in Kalamazoo. As she grew to know the lawyers and staff, she became close friends with many of them. After leaving the law firm, she continued her role as a secretary to the judges at the Kalamazoo County Courthouse.

Having had more than her fair share of heartaches over her life, Faythe used those experiences to stay focused on the simple joys and pleasures. She went on nice vacations with her kids, including many trips to Chicago for good shopping and great restaurants. She appreciated art and culture and especially enjoyed seeing Broadway plays. A trip to New York with her daughter was a special treat, and perusing art fairs always proved entertaining. She loved her dog, Bubbles, who her grandson named. She also had a passion for food magazines and cookbooks. If she came across one in a checkout lane, she couldn’t resist buying one. She’d read them with vigor, folding pages of recipes to make in the future and to talk about when people visited. She often knew the perfect occasion to try the new recipes. She appreciated that her son learned to cook and enjoyed eating the meals he made, often declaring that Dan’s lasagna was better than Olive Garden’s!

Without a doubt, shopping and eating out were her most favorite things to do. She had superb taste and the hunt for a good deal excited her! A perfect day for Faythe included grabbing a muffin from Grand Traverse Pie Company, spending the day at Talbot's or any of her favorite stores, and having a nice dinner with friends or family. Plainwell Ice Cream was also a great treat. She regularly encouraged her friends or family to join her and made a big deal of going out for ice cream.

Her grandchildren were her heart’s delight! She relished time with them. Whether beating them at cards or attending their special concerts, recitals, and sporting events, every moment was a gift. A flute player and choir member herself, she was so proud of her granddaughter, who also plays the flute.

Faythe enjoyed an active social life. She and some of her neighbors gathered for monthly Pinochle, remaining close friends for over 50 years. Even though she was not the greatest golfer, she was a longtime member of a women’s golf league. Her joy was simply being there, talking with the ladies, and being part of the group. Her score didn’t much matter to her. She even started planning a Cerutti family golf outing just recently.

In quieter times at home, she loved watching shows or reading magazines about the Royal Family and keeping up with the latest gossip. She also surrounded herself with a wonderful collection of angels and hoped to become an angel herself by volunteering in the baby unit at the hospital.

Faythe met each day with wonder and determination and welcomed every person as a friend. In her heart, all were welcome, safe, and nurtured. Faythe fought to live a good life. In recent years, when she was diagnosed with cancer, many wouldn't have known because she continued to live life to the fullest, setting goals and sharing time with family and friends. A joy to be around, Faythe lived by example, showing us how to live a wholehearted life devoted to nurturing love and hope in the hearts of others.

Faythe Cerutti of Portage, age 77, died on March 12, 2023. Faythe was born December 12, 1945, to Wilburt and Nina (Botterbusch) Zindt, who precede her in death along with her son, Bob. Surviving are her children: Dan (Lynda) Cerutti and Angel (Derek) Allen; grandchildren: Quentin, Riley, and Nicholas; sister: Linda Campbell; brothers-in-law: Tom Cerutti and Steve (Suzanne) Cerutti; and many nieces and nephews.

Life Story Services will be held Saturday, March 18, at 11 AM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, 269-375-2900. A reception where food, drinks, and stories will be shared will follow in the Life Story Center. Visit Faythe’s webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos and sign her guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to West Michigan Cancer Center or American Transplant Foundation.