Obituary of Altalee Brey

Altalee Helen Kerr was born on May 20, 1946 in Monroe. She was the only child of Elmer and Helen (Clark) Kerr. "Lee" as she was called by those who knew her was a graduate of Monroe High School. Lee performed clerical duties for more than twenty-five years for Magnamet/ Monroe Scrap/ North Star Recycling now Cargill. Although the company name changed several times she remained the constant in the front office. She had a passion for life and a smile that could warm the room. On October 18, 1980 she married John "Jack" Brey at her parent's home in LaSalle. Shortly after marrying Jack, Lee was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The Brey's purchased a motor home and began traveling. Their jaunts would take them through the lower 48 states and even into Canada. Lee would chronicle their journeys through hundreds of photographs that she took from the passenger seat of their moving home. Several years ago, Jack retired so that he could become her fulltime caretaker. Lee enjoyed the outdoors and valued the special occasions when she would observe the morning doves at her back window bird feeder. She was a member of the East Ida Emmanuel Lutheran Church. She enjoyed playing cards with friends especially the games of euchre and rummy. She enjoyed reading and had acquired boxes full of Romance novels. Although Lee never had the opportunity for children of her own her stepchildren; James "Jim" Brey of LaSalle and Johnna "Jo" (Brian) Althouse of Monroe thought enough of her to call her mom. She was blessed with four grandchildren: Tim Brey and Vickie (Alan) Curry both of Louden, TN; and Jaice and Bryce Althouse both of Monroe; and one great granddaughter: Amy Curry of Louden. Altalee Helen Brey age 62 of Monroe went to be with her Savior on Monday, April 20, 2009. Her passing was preceded by her parents Friends may gather from 1:00-8:00pm, Thursday, April 23 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. She will lie-in-state on Friday, April 24 from 10:00am until a Celebration of Her Life at 11:00am at the East Ida Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 6272 West Albain, Pastor Bruce Lucas officiating. Burial will follow in Roselawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations are suggested to the Church or to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Online words of inspiration and comfort may be made at www.merklefuneralservice.com; Life Stories page.