Doris Peterman-Fisher

The life of Doris Peterman-Fisher exemplifies what it means to be a woman of grace and resiliency who embraced both the great joys and the deep sorrows of life. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion, she delighted in the children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who were the light of her life. Known for her strong work ethic, Doris was a firm believer in the notion that anything worth doing is worth doing right and in so doing, she provides us all with much to aspire for. The memories Doris leaves behind will be a lasting treasure for generations to come. Nestled between the perils of WWI in the decade prior and the unrelenting hardship of the Great Depression during the decade that followed was the time that became known as the Roaring Twenties. This was a period when prosperity was prevalent in America and prohibition was the law of the land while advancements in both the business and industrial sectors were taking us places we had never been. It was during this exciting time of great change that Doris Ruth was born on February 12, 1925. Although she was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, she spent her childhood in New Jersey after she was adopted as an infant by Henry and Effie (Scholtens) Alkema. Doris was raised in the family home alongside her adopted sister, Esther, who was seven years younger than she was. Her father was a minister, and Doris sang in the church choir. She was a shy young girl who also did some babysitting for area families. When she was 15 years old, Doris moved to Muskegon where she attended local schools. She joined the Berean Church in Muskegon in 1941 where she remained an active member throughout the rest of her life. Doris went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1941. Life was forever changed for Doris when she went to Curvecrest Roller Rink, a popular hangout in Muskegon. Although she was engaged at the time, Doris couldnt help but notice a young man there named John Peterman. Smitten, it wasnt long before John had stolen her heart, and Doris broke off her previous engagement to begin a relationship with John instead. Deeply in love, the couple was married in 1945. A short time later their son, Robert, was born who was later followed by his three sisters, Linda, Carol, and Sue. John worked as a custodian at Fruitport Schools while Doris fully immersed herself into caring for their children. Throughout much of their childrens formative years they moved around quite a bit, but their homes were always abundantly filled with love. The Petermans attended the Berean Church together and also took time for family vacations to Niagara Falls, Washington, D.C., and out West. In order to help support her family, Doris entered the work force at the age of 35 when she became a cook for Fruitport Schools. She later moved to Orchard View Schools where she eventually settled in as the secretary for the special education department. Doris remained in that position until she retired in 1988. Doris was given a tough pill to swallow when John suffered a heart attack and died in 1977. The days and weeks following his death were difficult ones for Doris, but she treasured the support from her church and family. She remained on her own for the next 11 years and settled into Lake Forest Apartments located behind her church. Doris did some traveling with her grandson, Richard, during this time as well. New and exciting changes were in store for Doris when she met a man named Marvin Fisher through a dating service called Christian Connections. He was a fellow widower who was ten years older than she was. They hit it off and were married in 1988. Since this was the same year she retired, they were able to spend the first few years of their marriage traveling around the country in a fifth wheel trailer. Doris and Marvin also spent their winters in Florida and their summers in Michigan. The couple eventually settled into a mobile home park in Grand Rapids, but it wasnt long after that Marvins health began to fail. In order to be closer to his daughters, he moved to North Carolina where he died a few years later. Doris remained in Muskegon during this time where she was near her daughters, settling into Lake Forest Apartments again. During her sunset years Doris continued to keep busy. She liked to crochet and also did some tatting and baking. When she needed more help, Doris moved in with her daughter, Linda, and as Alzheimers disease began to creep in her daughter, Carol, also stepped in to help. When her care became too much for her daughters to handle, Doris moved into Brookhaven Nursing Home five years ago where she received the excellent hands-on care she needed. While there she continued to enjoy frequent visits with her family. A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Doris Peterman-Fisher brought such warmth and joy to the lives of those around her. She was devoted to caring for the children she treasured and considered being a grandmother to be her greatest blessing. Through the years Doris took in so much of what life has to offer and in doing so, created a brilliant journey filled with rich memories with those she loved. She will be deeply missed. Doris R. Peterman-Fisher died Wednesday, October 12, 2011. Doriss family includes her son, Robert (Sharon) Peterman; daughters, Linda (Bill) Corley of Muskegon, Carol (Richard) Shepherd of Muskegon, Sue (Steven Vondra) VanDrunen of IN; 7 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Doris was preceded in death by husbands, John Peterman & Marvin Fisher; sister, Esther Morton. Services will be held on Monday, October 17, 2011, 1:00 p.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Craig Apel officiating. Interment at Fruitport Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be directed to Berean Church or American Cancer Society. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.