Edith F. Fortin age 89, of Sixth Avenue, Manistee, died Thursday afternoon, May 14, 2009 at the Manistee County Medical Care Facility. She was born Oct. 5, 1919 in Manistee and was the daughter of the late Abraham and Alice (Chevalier) Picardat. Edith married Joseph L. Fortin on July 15, 1939 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Manistee. He preceded her in death on July 31, 1975. She was employed at the Glen of Michigan in Manistee for 21 years, retiring in 1981. Edith was a communicant of St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Shrine Church of Manistee and a member of the American Legion Post #10 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed sewing; quilting and reading as her favorite pass times.

Edith is survived by five sons and four daughters in-law: Louis Fortin of Manistee, Kenneth and Ann Fortin of Manistee, Robert Fortin of McBrides, James and Sandy Fortin of Houghton Lake, Joseph T. Fortin of Petoskey, Paula Fortin of Kaleva, Kay Fortin of Posen, five daughters and two sons in-law: Nancy Kuczynski of Manistee, Mary Jo Ledford of Stanton, Jean and John Soltes of Manistee, Rose Davis and Julie and Jon Brecheisen all of Grand Rapids, 25 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, numerous step grandchildren, step great-grandchildren and step great-great-grandchildren, her sister and brother in-law: Marie and Carl Sundbeck all of Manistee, one brother and two sisters in-law: James and Mary Picardat and Barbara Picardat all of Manistee. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive her.

Edith was also preceded in death by her step daughter Marjorie Kaminski, two sons, William and Jerome Fortin and two sons in-law, Robert Kuczynski and James Ledford, three sisters Alice Sundbeck, Helen Schulte and Marguerite Janowiak Cooper and by three brothers Al, Jerome and Jack Picardat.

Mass from The Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated Tuesday, May 19, 2009 at 10 a.m. at St. Mary's of Mt. Carmel Shrine Church in Manistee with Rev. Joseph Muszkiewicz celebrant. Burial will follow in Mt. Carmel Cemetery, also in Manistee.