Jane Bruins

Jane Bruins lived her life with an attitude that could overcome any challenge. She was strong, courageous, and compassionate, and took every opportunity she faced as a chance to better the lives of those around her. A loving grandmother, mother, and friend, she showed her devotion to those she knew with her golden heart, and served as a true inspiration in the lives of others. Jane lived a life that was not only blessed, but was a blessing to others. It was a stressful time for America in 1939, as the Great Depression took its toll on American lives, and the country grew anxious with WWII looming right around the corner. But to Jane's family in Grand Haven, Michigan, this year would bring a great blessing into their lives. On October 28, 1939, Edwin G. D'Oyly and Doris Tatroe welcomed their daughter Jane Ellen into the world. Edwin, who moved to Grand Haven from England when he was 14, supported the family by working as an original fireman for Grand Haven Township. Doris was famous at North Ottawa Community Hospital, where she worked as a typist, for her flying fingers that could type 100 words per minute. Jane had three brothers, Edwin, Robert, and Leonard. Growing up on the shores of beautiful Lake Michigan, Jane lived a happy childhood .She attended Peach Plains School when it was still just a one room schoolhouse, and was involved in Girl Scouts. Jane attended Grand Haven High School, where she played drums in the band, and would also meet the love of her life. When she was in 10th grade, her best friend happened to be dating a 9th grader named James Bruins. Evidently, Jane and Jim made a better couple than he and her friend did. The two dated all through high school, enjoying such activities as rollerskating together. Jane graduated from Grand Haven High School, followed by Jim in 1959. Soon after he tossed that hat into the air, the two took their relationship to the next level. On September 24, 1959, Jane became Mrs. James Bruins. Within a couple years, their family grew with the births of their three children, Janese, Sue, and Walter. Jane devoted her time to creating a loving home for her family, though she did earn some extra money by cleaning houses for people. The family lived a very happy life together. She and Jim loved riding their Gold Wing Motorcycle, as well as the dune buggies at Silver Lake, where they would often take the family to camp in the summers. Jane was an active mom, and enjoyed serving as a den mother for the Cub Scout troop. Jane also served at church by helping with the youth group and enjoyed putting on Halloween hayrides. Jim supported the family working as a meat cutter for Eberhards until 1979. At that time, Jane and Jim both worked at Butcher Boys in Holland, a business which they owned and operated. In 1984, they sold Butcher Boys, and Jane got a job at K-Line Industries in Holland working in the special packaging department. She worked there for 18 years, after which she worked in the Deli at WalMart until retiring. Sadly, Jane's husband Jim had many health issues, and underwent a surgery that caused his personality to change. This caused many struggles in their relationship. It was a very hard time in Jane's life, because, though the two tried to work things out, they eventually divorced. Jane continued to love him her entire life, and they remained close until his death in 1998. Jane was an expert at showing her love. She enjoyed being a grandmother, and loved visiting her grandchildren and children and taking them to Silver Lake and Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park. Jane always had a smile on her face, and had a wonderful and infectious sense of humor. In 2006, Jane, her daughters, and her mother decided to explore their ancestry with a trip to England. They had a wonderful time together, and will always remember this as a great trip. In the spring of 2007, Jane found herself facing the greatest challenge of her life. She was diagnosed with Leukemia. Even in the face of death, she lived her life well, driven by compassion, gentleness, and patience. Her stellar attitude through her struggle made her an inspiration to those around her. Even through her suffering, Jane felt that "It's about the lives you touch", and demonstrated selflessness by continuing to help others. Her quote through this struggle was "Pain & suffering is inevitable. But misery is optional". Jane chose to opt out of misery, and continued to live her life as the epitome of unconditional love. Though she fought courageously against Leukemia, she died in peace surrounded by her family on June 17, 2008. Jane lived her life with poise and humility, proved her courage, and never stopped showing compassion and love to those around her. She was a selfless woman, who believed that a good attitude would improve any bad circumstance. Her life was an inspiration to many, and though she will be greatly missed, her memory will continue to bring hope and joy to the lives of those who knew her. Jane was survived by son, Walter (Robin) Bruins of Zeeland, daughter, Janese (Frank) Swift of Holland, and Sue (Mark) Funderburg of TN; grandchildren, Miranda, Brandon, Megan Bruins, Jared & Annie Funderburg; mother, Doris D'Oyly of Grand Haven; brothers, Edwin (Betty) D'Oyly of Grand Haven, Robert (Sandy) D'Oyly of Mears, Leonard D'Oyly of Grand Haven; lifetime friends, Marilyn Hall of Freesoil, Mary Treep of IN & Jo Strabbing. She was preceded in death by her father, Edwin G. D'Oyly. The funeral service will be held Friday, June 20, 2:00 PM at Clock Life Story Chapel in Grand Haven, Michigan, with Pastor Michael Waugh officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeshore Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday, 2-4 PM & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home in Grand Haven. In Lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Hospice of North Ottawa or American Diabetes Association. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.