Obituary of Cecily Monroe Depew Purdin

   Cecily Monroe Depew Purdin of Kalamazoo Michigan, lived 84 wonderful years, the wife of Raymond Russell Purdin, transcended peacefully on the evening of Friday, April 14th with her loving family by her side. 

   Cecily was born in Brooklyn, New York. Daughter to Franklin and Ethel Depew, and older sister to David Depew. Cecily graduated from Manhasett high school in 1956, and shortly after moved to Evanston, Illinois, to further her education at Northwestern University. This is where she met the love of her life Raymond "Dutch" Purdin, who also attended Northwestern and played football under Ara Parsegian.

   The two were shortly married after graduation and moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, so Raymond could further his football career. This is where they welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer Diane Purdin on the 12th of May in 1965.  After another short move to Ohio, They found their forever home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, in 1971. On October 27, 1972, They welcomed their second daughter Tamar Rebecca Purdin (Helmick) to the world to complete their beautiful family. 

   In 1976, Cecily proved to be a business woman ahead of her time when she put her idea of a children's resale consignment shop into action. One of the firsts of its kind, Second Childhood opened its doors and helped our community to recycle children's clothing, and  "bring down the cost of growing up". Her legacy is still alive and thriving today, 46 years later. Second Childhood is actively owned by her daughter Tamar Helmick , and helped run by her niece Amanda Ewbank Mcnees.

   One of Cecily's greatest joys was becoming a grandmother to Regan Donovan Helmick. Cecily and Raymond cherished living with their daughter Jennifer, and were blessed to be on the same block as their daughter Tamar, her husband Chad, and their beloved granddaughter  Regan. It made it possible to be present for ALL the special moments, milestones, and to enjoy daily interactions with their loved ones. They were such a wonderful close knit family.

   Cecily has always had a vast love for the ocean, and any large body of water. After the passing of her own parents, she was able to keep and maintain their condo in Florida where she had a whole family of friends and could always enjoy the ocean view in her home away from home. It brought her so much joy and happiness. 

   Cecily was loved by all for her positive, vibrant, optimistic disposition. Her mantra for life was, "always do unto others as you would have them do unto you', and she definitely lived by this. She was a pillar in the community, and will be tremendously missed. Per her wishes, she will be cremated to have her ashes scattered in the ocean. A celebration of life will follow. 

   Cecily is survived in death by her husband, Raymond Purdin. Her brother, David Depew. Daughters, Jennifer Purdin and Tamar Helmick. Son in law, Chad Helmick, and treasured granddaughter, Regan Helmick.

   Precious mommy you are a gift to all you have met and may your zest for life have a loving impression on all those you have touched. I love you forever with all of  my heart, your loving daughter, Tamar.