Magdalene Richmond

Madge Richmond loved to make people smile. From her holiday feasts, to planning parties or helping the less fortunate, Madges greatest pleasure came from the happiness she gave to others. She was a caring, compassionate woman, who always made sure the people around her were well cared for, from her patients, to her friends and the family she loved most of all. Madge lived her life at peace with the world, a life we were so blessed to have shared. Madges story began on a cool spring day in 1927, near the shores of Lake Michigan in Muskegon Heights, Michigan. Those were good days in this country, at the twilight of the Roaring 20s, and the calm before the terrible storm of the Great Depression. On April 27, 1927, John and Mary (Kopi) Egyed celebrated the birth of a beautiful baby girl at their home, a daughter they named Magdalene. Madge, as she was always called, was one of nine children born to the couple, though sadly, only five survived. She was raised in Muskegon Heights along with her older brother Steve, and younger siblings Mary, Betty and John. Her father worked as a core maker for Pyle Pattern, while her mother battled illnesses throughout much of Madges childhood. Madge attended Muskegon Heights Schools, and was very active at Muskegon Heights High School, joining the booster club, singing in the choir, and was even an actress in the senior play. After she graduated, Madge went to work as a telephone operator for General Telephone, though soon shed have other things besides a career on her mind. One night Madge met a man named Shirl Richmond at the CIO Dance Hall. The two connected that night, and began dating. They were married in 1948, first settling in Fruitport, before eventually moving to Spring Lake. It wasnt long before the couple became mother and father, and soon were the proud parents of sons, Scott and Kevin, and daughters Michelle, Shawn and Tammy. Shirl worked as a salesman for an industrial machine company, and Madge happily became a stay-at-home mom. It was perfect for her, as taking care of people was always what she was best at. She was a wonderful homemaker and mother, and an incredible cook, too, who delighted in trying new recipes. When her children were old enough, she took a job in the counseling office at Spring Lake Schools, another great fit for her, and helping her stay close to her children. Madge and Shirls marriage wasnt always a happy one, however, and after 20 years together, they divorced. She was a strong woman, though, and picked herself up quickly, finding a good job as a unit clerk at North Ottawa Community Hospital in nearby Grand Haven. She was a helpful, valuable employee, and quickly rose through the ranks to become the secretary to the Director of Nursing. She served five different Directors in her long career there. Madge was excellent at her job, and knew everything about the hospital. She was a real problem-solver, and coordinator for all of the nursing management. Most of all, Madge was unequivocally dedicated to the highest patient care. Madge was also dedicated to caring for the nursing staff, many of whom became valuable friends to her. She loved to plan parties for the nurses, luncheons and get-togethers that brought them closer together. She was especially close with Trudy, Jan, Hermina, Dee and Sternie, and she was always there for them when they needed her. Friendship, just like family, always meant the world to her. Madge was a fun-loving lady, who loved a good party, loved dancing, or going to the movies. She was very social, and joined the Red Hat Society with some friends. Yet she also enjoyed quieter times, times of peaceful solitude. She found great peace and enjoyment in reading. Madge also loved Lake Michigan, and every morning on her way to work, she would spend some time pulled off at the park, watching the waves roll in, her time to relax and meditate on her day. She loved sunsets at the lake, as well, another time of tranquility for her. Madge eventually retired in 1992, after many years at NOCH, and moved to the Lloyds Bayou Apartments in Spring Lake. She was very active in the social activities there, and made many good friends, too. Most of all, Madge loved spending time with her family, from her sister Betty she was so close to, to her wonderful grandchildren, who always brightened her days. In retirement she did some traveling, too, and enjoyed visiting her daughter in Montana. Some of Madges happiest times were spent planning and preparing the grand holiday gatherings every year, and she loved being surrounded by her family, when she felt so blessed. Madge also donated her time to helping those less fortunate than she was, and volunteered at the Peoples Center for many years. It was one of the many ways Madge lived her faith, and she was also a longtime member of St. Michaels Catholic Church in Coopersville. She loved the country church, preferring the small congregation to the larger parishes. Madge bought a plot in the church cemetery, and persuaded the church to let her plant a flowering plum tree on her space, the only exception to the rule. There wasnt much people wouldnt do for a person like Madge. As the years progressed, Madges health began to decline. Sadly, she suffered a fatal heart attack on Saturday, August 1, 2008, at the age of 81. Madge was such a wonderful woman, kind and compassionate, fun-loving and friendly. She was a woman whose greatest happiness came from the joy she gave others. Madge was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend, and truly a gift to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed. Madge is survived by her sons, Scott (Kim) Richmond, Kevin (Kim) Richmond; daughters, Michelle (James) Angell, Shawn Richmond, Tammy Richmond; 7 grandchildren, Matthew, Eric, Kelsea, Justin, Julia, Carley & Ashley; brother, John (Paula) Egyed; sister, Elizabeth Evans; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Steve Jenear; & sister, Mary Egyed. Services are scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2008 at 11 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church of Coopersville with Fr. Tony Pelak officiating. Interment at St. Michael's Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Michael's Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to share a memory or sign the online guest book.