Community mourns death of bus driver
The Chelsea and Dexter communities -- and especially local seniors -- are mourning the loss of Paula Scherdt, who drove the bus for Silver Maples of Chelsea for over a decade, and previously drove the Chelsea Area Transportation Services (CATS) bus.
The Dexter resident, who died Feb. 7 at the age of 58, had been a driver with Silver Maples since it opened.
Jerry Wilczynski, executive director of Silver Maples, said Scherdt will be sorely missed by residents and co-workers.
"We're all in shock and are grief-stricken by Paula's unexpected demise," he said. "Paula was a jewel and one of Silver Maples of Chelsea's very first and finest staff members, having worked for us just over 10 years.
"Her primary role was transportation, having safely driven residents on our bus to many events both locally and regionally. Plus Paula transported residents to hundreds of appointments with the doctor or dentist or simply shopping and other local trips. She knew all of the resident's doctor office locations and got everyone safely to and from each visit."
Scherdt also enjoyed helping the Activities staff with programs both on-site and off-site, he said. "The residents felt totally safe in her driving and enjoyed her companionship immensely."
Scherdt was very much loved by the Silver Maples residents, said Shawn Personke, activities director for Silver Maples. "She took such good care of them as she transported them all over Chelsea, and all over southeastern Michigan on our many trips to concerts, museums, gardens, and festivals.
"She was a fixture on Chelsea roads. When you saw the bus coming, you always waved to Paula.
"Our community is reeling, especially the staff that worked with her for many years. We're a very tight community."
Personke said Scherdt helped her transition into her job at Silver Maples last June.
"Whatever question I might have about what had been done in the past, she always had an answer. I could always count on her to get us where we wanted to be safely and confidently. She was so supportive," Personke said.
"She had a great laugh and sense of humor. She knew so many people not only in Chelsea, but Dexter, where she grew up, and Manchester, where she lived for many years."
Silver Maples resident Arlene Harvey said Scherdt was a dear friend to the residents. "She took very good care of all of us," Harvey said. "We made appointments with Paula to take us to our doctor appointments, to the clinic for the weekly blood draw, to the beauty shop to get our hair done, to go grocery shopping, to visit the Health and Wellness Center to exercise, to the Hospital for our volunteer job.
"She never ever failed us, or forgot, or was late."
Scherdt would take residents on relaxing rides out into the local countryside with which she was so familiar, Harvey said. She took residents to Detroit to Comerica Park and the Tigers ball game, to the Fox Theatre for concerts.
"She always dropped us at the front door and picked us up at the same spot after the function," Harvey said. "She helped those with walking disabilities to get in and out of the bus with ease. She carried our packages and groceries when we needed help. She always had the bus warmed up and ready to go at the appointed time.
"She was our daily friend and helper in these last years of our lives and we will miss her so very much."
Chelsea resident Beth Easterwood's mother, Celia Cone, is another original resident of Silver Maples.
"I've heard my mother speak highly of Paula for years," Easterwood said. "She and all the residents depended on Paula, and Paula was always there for them. They are really going to miss her."
Jude Hein, former activities director at Silver Maples, worked with Scherdt for 10 years. Both were among the original employees, hired by Art Dils in 1997.
"Paula was an absolutely perfect choice for the position of bus driver - although she was much more to both the residents and staff at Silver Maples than a bus driver," Hein said. "She was someone that any of us would be proud to call our friend.
"And as long as Paula was behind the wheel, everyone knew they were safe and in good hands."
Hein said Scherdt was very proud of her two sons, Brian and Keith, working very hard for many years to raise them to become wonderful adults.
"I'd have to say, however, that the triplets -- Ben, Will, and Evan -- who were born just a year ago on February 3 to her son Brian and his wife, Melissa, were the joy of her life. Paula took showing 'grandma pictures' to a whole new level," Hein said.
Palmer involved in many Chelsea groups and causes
George L. Palmer of Chelsea passed away at the University of Michigan Hospital on Sunday, Feb. 10, 2008. He was 78.
George was born on July 1, 1929 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the son of Leigh and Lois (Stokoe) Palmer. He was raised in Chelsea and was graduated from Chelsea High School in 1947. He then furthered his education at the University of Miami (Florida), receiving a degree of Bachelor of Business Administration.
George was a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the U.S. Army. On May 4, 1957, he married Donna Anderson in Manistee, Michigan. Together they had two daughters, Suzie and Carol, whom they raised in Chelsea. They were active members in Chelsea's First United Methodist Church.
George's accomplishments, leadership and service to the Chelsea community are extensive. As owner of Palmer Ford-Mercury, he received numerous awards from Ford Motor Company. He took pride in the fact that his father founded Palmer Motor Sales on April 15, 1912, boasting "Michigan's Oldest Ford Dealership."
George was an active member and former president of the Kiwanis Club, as well as the Chelsea Jaycees.
He was also a former board member of the Chelsea State Bank, was the first Chairman of the Chelsea Civic Foundation, and was a member of the Herbert McKune American Legion Post of Chelsea.
He enjoyed photography, raising orchids during his winter months on St. Croix, and was well-known for his "behind the scenes" involvement in local politics!
George was serious and reserved, and was a businessman to the heart. He was very patriotic and loved the American flag and could always be seen wearing a flag pin in his lapel. However, he will always be remembered for driving his battered red Ford Festiva around town.
George is survived by his wife of 50 years, Donna: two daughters, Suzie (Biff) Weber of Chelsea and Dr. Carol Palmer of Denver, Colo., two grandsons, John and Matt Weber of Chelsea; one sister, Mary Becker of Florida; a nephew, Chris Becker of Minneapolis, Minn.; a niece, Anne Daniels of Chelsea; and a cousin, Lois Moore of Chelsea.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant sister, Sally.
Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Chelsea, with the Rev. Joy Barrett and the Rev. Barbara Lewis-Lakin co-officiating.
Burial will follow at Oak Grove East Cemetery. The family received friends at the Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home on Wednesday evening and will again from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. today.
Memorial contributions may be made to the George Palmer Scholarship.
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