Ernestine Harrington Obituary

Ernestine Harrington of Birch Run, Michigan

Beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend passed away peacefully on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Adira Nursing & Rehab Center in Saginaw. She was 92 years old. Ernestine Harrington, lovingly known as “Tine” by her family, was born on August 5, 1932, in Saginaw County to the late Ernest and Laura (Denoma) Thompson. She grew up in Fosters, Michigan, where she met the love of her life, James Harrington. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on October 21, 1950; he preceded her in death on November 11, 2021. She worked for Woolworth’s for a short period of time, but the role she treasured and cherished the most was to be a loving wife, stay at home mother, and a kind and caring grandmother. A lucky person, Ernestine, enjoyed buying scratch off lottery tickets relishing in the excitement if she won something small. She enjoyed listening to classic country music, especially Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Porter Wagner, and Loretta Lynn, to name a few. When visiting with Ernestine she could be found watching or listening to “Hee Haw” and other country singers from that era. Spending time with her family was what made her heart feel full, especially when the grandchildren were born. Ernestine will forever be remembered for kindness, her ability to give selflessly to anyone in need, and for the love she had for everyone, especially her family.

Surviving are three sons and a daughter: James (Kathee) Harrington of Saginaw; Rick (Debbie) Harrington of Burt; Wayne Harrington of Saginaw; Nancy Harrington of Harrison; 22 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; five siblings: Dick (Nancy) Thompson, Sally (Bob) Naylor, Donna (Bud) Weiderhoff, Tom (Linda) Thompson, and Jim (Linda) Thompson. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, James Harrinton; a son and daughter, Jack Harrington and Vickie Corbin; siblings: Jerry, Jack, Lois, Bill and Bob.

Honoring Ernestine's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 5700 Dixie Highway, Saginaw, MI 48601. Ernestine’s son, Pastor James Harrington will officiate. Friends are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.casefuneralhome.com.