Joyce "Annabelle" Golden

Joyce “Annabelle” Golden, 92, of Monroe, passed away peacefully Saturday December 16, 2023, at Wellspring Lutheran Home in Monroe, where she was in hospice for two weeks.

Annabelle was born November 25, 1931, in Monroe. She grew up in Dundee, Michigan, on a small farm, and graduated from Dundee High School in 1949.

She is survived by her two sons, Frank (Gwen) Spreeman, of Monroe, Michigan and Mike (Kathleen) Spreeman, of Scottsdale, Arizona; her four grandchildren, Tonya (Jeffery) Barr, Jeni (Tim) Mistry, Todd Spreeman, and Andrew Spreeman; her seven great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Charles (Charlie) J. Golden, who passed away October, 2001; her son Mark Spreeman, who passed away in 2009; her granddaughter Melanie Spreeman; and seven sisters and one brother.

Annabelle was an avid golfer. She and Charles enjoyed playing golf at Green Meadows Golf Club and at Monroe Country Club, where she golfed in several women’s championships. Her and Charles enjoyed their trips to Destin, Florida, for many years where they had many friends. Charles would often refer to Annabelle as his Cruise Director because of her outgoing personality.

Annabelle enjoyed many interests especially playing the piano. Her and Charles, who played the saxophone, would often entertain at their home, and strike up a round of music with one of their favorites being, ‘Satin Doll’. On occasion, whether in Florida, or at a local dinner restaurant, she might walk up and start playing the piano, and Charles would retrieve his saxophone from his car to join her… These were unplanned and very entertaining. It was a musical family who often saw her sons, Mark playing drums and Michael playing a piano with her, at impromptu parties at her and Charles’ home, often with friends and neighbors dropping in.

Annabelle had many other activities and interests over the years:

• She spent time with her three sons in 4H, with Milan 4 Leaf Clover gang, and attending Horse Shows and the Monroe County Fair.

• She K9 trained a police dog, “Lance”, given to her by Sheriff Harrington of Monroe County and she passed the course with flying colors.

• She adored her cats, especially Charlie Cat, Harry Cat, and Bruce Cat.

• And, she opened, owned, and operated a clothing store, The Dress Shop, in Dundee for several years.

Annabelle lived a full and happy life with Charles and will be missed by all of her family, and friends.