Monica Taplin

As a loving and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, Monica Taplin added much to the lives of those around her. Her beloved grandchildren were her greatest joy, and there wasn’t much she wouldn’t do for them. Her zest for life was made evident in all that she did. Although Monica will be sorely missed, she will be equally remembered for all that she gave.

The year 1928 was an exciting time in our nation’s history. The flapper and the Roaring 20s redefined the culture of America while the entertainment industry was beginning to explode. The discovery of Penicillin forever changed the field of medicine, and legendary baseball players set astounding records on the ball fields. Although the U.S. was on the brink of the Great Depression, a most welcome event in the lives of Clark and Ruth (Handley) Coughlin of Plainwell, Michigan took place on March 20, 1928 when they welcomed the birth of their daughter Monica into their loving arms.

The oldest of two girls in the family, Monica grew up in Kalamazoo with her younger sister Justine. Although the community in which they lived suffered greatly during the Great Depression like many others across the nation, young Monica led a typical childhood growing up for the times. She attended the local schools where she enjoyed many friendships. One such friend during her high school years at Kalamazoo Central High School was a handsome young man named Roy Taplin. As their friendship turned to something more the two began a dating relationship that over time developed into love. Shortly after graduating they celebrated vows of marriage on July 31, 1946 and a love that would continue to bless their lives for 55 devoted years. They began their new life together as a young couple living in the basement of Roy's parent’s home.

In 1947 they built their own house on Lakewood Street in nearby Portage where they would remain for the rest of their days together. In time they were blessed with the addition of children into their lives. Dale, Ron, Darren and Vicki brought much joy to Monica’s heart. She loved being at home for them and took an active role in their many activities. While making a wonderful home for her family, they did much together throughout the years. Memorable camping trips provided many treasured experiences for each of them. Although Monica provided wonderful meals for her family, she never quite mastered a knack for baking as her cookies were always burnt to a crisp. Roy even tried feeding them to the bears at Yellowstone Park once and even they turned them away!

Monica worked here and there over the years at Miracle Mart, the S & H Green Stamp Store, W.L. Moulding and in the cafeteria at Portage Public Schools. Although she held these jobs outside the home, she spent most of her life as a devoted homemaker. Quite active, Monica’s outgoing nature allowed her to take part in many personal and enjoyable activities of her own, like golfing and bowling. She was also very active in exercise classes as she remained conscientious and loved being physically fit all of her life. She and Roy were active together as members of the Kalamazoo Valley Outboard Club and the Goldwing Road Riders Association where they made many lasting friendships over the years.

At the age of 40, Monica’s family was now all grown enjoying lives of their own. When they left home, Roy and Monica took the opportunity to really take pleasure in their shared love for travel. For over 20 years they enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Newaygo on the Muskegon River, and their motor home provided getaways visiting every state with the exception of Hawaii. Nearly every Sunday they took a nice drive together somewhere. Up until Roy’s death in 1999, they enjoyed the warmer climate in Texas where they wintered for several years.

Monica reveled in her role as a grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved each of them immensely. With a talent for sewing, Monica sewed almost every stitch of her first granddaughter’s baby clothes. Her family was a source of great comfort to Monica when her beloved Roy died. Although very lonely without him, she continued to enjoy a good life surrounded by the love and support of her devoted family. As the years began to take their toll on Monica’s health, she eventually realized she could no longer drive. Although it meant giving up her independence, she voluntarily gave up driver’s license. The greatest day in Monica’s life was the celebration she shared on her 80th birthday. Monica considered it to be quite a milestone in her life, and even her failing health could not spoil her delight in the party given to her by those that loved her.

On her own and continuing to live in her home, Monica’s health began to fail about five years ago. A short time later the house became too much for her, and she went to live at the Hearthside Senior Community. From there her health issues began taking their toll and quickly spiraled downhill over the last six months. Weak and growing tired of constant dialysis, Monica stopped her treatment approximately three weeks ago. During her most difficult health issues she was comforted by her granddaughter Aditi who lovingly cared for her grandmother. Just two days shy from her 82nd birthday, Monica died on Thursday, March 18, 2010 at Briarwood Assisted Living Center in Allegan where she had been living for just over a year.

Monica will be truly missed and remembered for all that she was, but her heart will continue to always live on in the many memories her family and friends hold dear.

Learn more about Monica, view her life story film and visit with her family and friends while sharing light refreshments on Monday, March 22, 2010 from 4-7 PM at Life Story Funeral Home-Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). Services will be held at the same location on Tuesday at 11:00 AM. Members of Monica’s family include her children: Dale (Loretta) Taplin, Darren Taplin, and Vicki Wright; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and her sister, Justine (Jerry) Kuiper. Besides her husband Roy, Monica was also preceded in death by her son, Ron. Visit Monica’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read her life story, archive a favorite memory or photo, sign her online guest book before coming to the funeral home and make a memorial donation in lieu of flowers to The Kidney Foundation or Hospice at Home of South Haven.