Gladys Bellanger

Gladys Genevieve Bellanger, age 89, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2007 at her home in Spring Lake, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Gladys was born January 24, 1918 in Muskegon to Malcolm and Sena Bellanger. She was a graduate of Muskegon High School and Muskegon Business College. Gladys worked at Bennett Pump Company for 33 years before retiring at age 64. She realized, after a couple of years, that retirement just wasn't for her. She was then employed at McKenzie Price Insurance Agency for 17 years, retiring in 2000 at age 83. Gladys was an avid bike rider, bowler, photographer, and golfer. She was very proud of her eagles and two hole-in-ones at various area courses. Gladys also obtained her pilot's license in 1938 at the age of 20 and played semi-professional baseball during WWII. She was a longtime member of Samuel Lutheran Church. Her family and many friends admired her zest for life and viewed her as a selfless, caring person, always willing to help others. She loved meeting her friends for retiree breakfasts, lunches, golf, and dinner before the Muskegon Symphony, Civic Theater, and Community Concerts. Gladys is survived by her daughter, Gale L. (James R.) MacBride; grandchildren, Michelle R. (Christopher) Bultema and Jason R. Gonzales; great-grandchildren, Zachery J. Bultema, Karly N. Griffin, and Sophia C. Bultema; her nieces, Shirley (Henry) Smith and Katherine (Wally) Sweet; nephews, Fred (Aggie) Bellanger and Jack Boyd; many great-nieces and nephews; and many close friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, Fred and sister-in-law, Gertrude Bellanger. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 4:00 PM Tuesday, April 24, 2007 at Samuel Lutheran Church, 540 Houston Ave., with Rev. Chris Anderson officiating. VISITATION will be 1 hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Samuel Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, The West Shore Symphony Orchestra, or Hackley VNS and Hospice, Inc.