Allison Katherine Ginsberg

Allison Katherine Ginsberg of Gull Lake (Richland), MI

Allison, age 39, died Monday afternoon, June 25th at her loving parents' home after battling the beast that is ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) for the past 10 years. In telling her own story, Allison wrote, "My goal is to live each day to the fullest, surrounded by my friends and family." With the help of many friends and her family, she accomplished her goal and inspired all who met her along the way.

Allison, the daughter of Steven J. and Elaine M. (Newland) Ginsberg, DVM, was born in Kalamazoo, MI on August 17, 1978; was a 1996 graduate of Gull Lake High School and received her Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan in 2001. Following graduation, she moved to Chicago where she began her career in pharmaceutical sales with Pharmacia. She moved into the veterinary pharmaceutical field with Intervet and went on to manage a sales force for Schering-Plough (Merck). She was serious and very successful in her work and career and loved her job and the people she came to know. She was eternally grateful to Merck for partnering with NEADS to provide her beloved service dog Chesty, who preceded her in death.

Allison was a true lake girl! She loved to be on the water, in the sun, swimming and boating, whether in Michigan on Gull Lake or in Chicago on Lake Michigan. She also loved snow skiing, traveling and great food. She was up for anything if it made for a good story and a good laugh. After moving back to Gull Lake to live with her parents, Allison often laughed about having become part of the 5 o'clock happy hour with her parents' retired group of friends. Anyone who had the opportunity to spend time with Allison was inspired by her spirit.

Allison is survived by her parents, Dr. Steven and Elaine Ginsberg of Gull Lake; her sister, Aimee M. (Brian) Greenfield of Rocky River, OH; her brother Nick G. (Wendy) Ginsberg of Grandville, MI; her maternal grandmother, Ruth Newland of Kalamazoo; a niece Maia Ginsberg, three nephews, Joe and Ben Greenfield and Parker Ginsberg, and by her service dog Floral.

A memorial gathering to celebrate Allison's life will be held on Thursday, August 16th at 11:00 am with a buffet lunch to follow at Gull Lake Country Club, 9725 W. Gull Lake Drive, Richland, MI 49083. Final interment will be in Yorkville Cemetery, Ross Township. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Allison's honor may be directed to NEADS (National Education for Assistance Dog Services) www.neads.org. The Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel (269-629-6022) is assisting Allison's family.