Josephine A. Saum, age 71 of Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, April 30, 2006 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born October 1, 1934 in Muskegon the daughter of Joseph and Petrina (Johnson) LeCompte. She graduated from St. Jean's High School in Muskegon in 1952. She attended Mercy Central School of Nursing, graduating in 1955. Josephine married Donald G. Saum on July 25, 1959 in Muskegon. They moved to Big Rapids to make their home in May of 1961. Josephine was employed as a registered nurse at the Big Rapids Community Hospital and the Rapids Medical Group until her retirement. She was a devoted and caring nursing professional. She was a member of the Mecosta County Medical Center's Auxiliary and St. Paul's Catholic Campus Parish of Big Rapids. Josephine will be remembered as a gracious and unassuming woman. She loved simple and natural beauty; her flowers, her animals, time spent with her dear friends, her home, but most of all her family. Josephine's greatest joy in life was realized by being a loving wife and mother. She will be forever missed by her grateful family, that she made so very happy; Husband, Don Saum of Big Rapids Children; Michael (Julie) Saum of Big Rapids Susan (Michael) Pennock of Big Rapids Kimberly Thompson of Grand Rapids Jill (Scott) Farley of Cadillac Karen (Rob) Husulak of Dimondale Grandchildren; Nicholas, Jeffrey and Eric Saum Daniel, Kerri, and Maryrose Cook Brittany, Trace, and Brookann Pennock Brett, Benjamin, and Bryan Farley Kyle and Lauren Husulak and several nieces and nephews. Funeral mass will take place 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3rd at St. Paul's Campus Parish in Big Rapids with Father Dan DePew officiating. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, May 2nd from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Burial will be at Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Josephine's name may be made to the Mecosta County Medical Center's Auxiliary.