"amy was my daycare child early in my career, i loved her so and her mom as well. after 40 years in that job and many many children i have never forgotten amy. she shone. and her mom was by her side with so much love. to her daughter...you have lost a great deal my dear. know that your mom will be remembered by me always. my heart goes out to you. sincere condolences. susan koernke"
In loving memory of
AMY SUE ROOKS
October 15, 1971 - July 23, 2020
Amy Sue (Reichel) Rooks, 48, of Gwinn, died Thursday, July 23, 2020 at her home.
Amy was born October 15, 1971 in Marquette, the only child of Lauren Carroll (Frieberg) Reichel. She attended and was a 1990 graduate of Marquette Senior High School and received her cosmetology license in that same year.
Amy moved to Nashville to be closer to her mother in 1993. That year she met her husband, Robert Eugene Rooks, who she married on February 18, 1995. On November 5, 1996 she had a 36-hour labor before having her only daughter, "ripped from her loins" as she often described it.
In 1998, Amy moved to Gwinn where she had her longest running job as a direct care worker. She stayed with that company until 2007 when she decided to go back to college at NMU. She never finished her degree as a result of her alcohol addiction.
Amy was a fun-loving person. She enjoyed people and people often enjoyed her. She had the ability to bring almost anyone out of their shell. Amy was funny, and would still laugh at herself even when she wasn't. She loved nature, but especially the beach, and spent many days with her family picking rocks and swimming.
It was Amy's wish to not have a funeral. She did however want it to be known, no matter the circumstances, that she died as a result of her addiction and experienced many complications associated with it. She wanted her death to be a lesson for those who might need it. Enjoy life, love fiercely, and put the bottle down if it's getting in the way of either of those things.
Amy is survived by her daughter, Joanie Rooks of Gwinn; grandmother, Joan Fontaine of Marquette; aunts, Gwyn Fontaine of Gwinn and Kerry Bonovich of Ishpeming; uncle, Alan Frieberg of Republic; special cousin, Sarah Fontaine and her children, Andrew, Kalynn, Taylor, Anavi and Aniya, all of Gwinn; former husband, Robert Rooks of Norton, OH; as well as numerous cousins, extended family and many friends. Amy was preceded in death by her mother, Lauren Reichel; grandfather, Norman Frieberg; and her beloved granddog, Susie.
Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting Amy's family where memories and condolences may be shared at canalefuneral.com
Tributes
"Amy and I played in the Marquette Senior High School orchestra together, and we graduated in the same class. I remember she could always make me laugh! Rest peacefully, beautiful soul."
"I love you so much Amy sue sue as I call you, words can?t describe how we all feel!!! You had such a beautiful soul and could make anyone laugh even when mad you were truly an amazing person love always Sarah Joanie ?"
"Extending to you and your family this heartfelt assurance of deep sympathy, Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education and Employees"
"I\'ve only had the pleasure of knowing for four years but wow what a journey. I am so grateful for our moments. For the times I was lucky enough to have your light shine on me. You were more than a friend . You were a soul mate. "
"Amy, you have brought such joy to many peoples lives. Your bubbly personality you had always brought many laughs. I remember skipping school my first time in 6th grade, I was waiting for the bus at the bus stop in front of your apartment in whetstone and you yelled to me from your window that you had chicken pox and wouldn\'t be going to school ..me and you hung out that day and I remember having so many laughs. We lost touch over the years as we grew up and met new friends but we always reconnected thanks to social media. I watched you speak of your struggle with your alcohol addiction and was always proud of of for admitting you needed help and getting help, but that demon always came back. I\'m sorry. Your family your friends have lost a wonderful person and you will always be loved and always be missed. You are now with your mother. R.I.P Amy Sue "
"Oh Amy! You will be missed. I will do all I can to be there for Gwyn, Joanie and Sarah. Praying you have found your peace with your Mumsie!"
"Amy and I were friends and co-workers at ALS some twenty years ago. With our family obligations and work, we lost touch for a while. We recently rekindled our friendship. Our plans for girl\'s trips after covid won\'t happen and this is disappointing. She wanted so badly to turn her life around so she could be a great mother to her daughter, who she loved so very much. Her leaving us is a tragedy. She was compassionate and loving, with much more living to do. I enjoyed our time together and conversations, she was fun and funny, beautiful inside and out. I am so going to miss you Amy. I want her loved ones to know, despite the turbulent times, she loved you and wanted to be better for you. She isn\'t far away, I imagine she\'s looking down, wanting to hug and hold and reassure us that she is no longer in pain. Gonna miss you, Amy Sue."