Marcia Jane Close

Mrs. Marcia Jane Close, age 85, passed away Wednesday morning, November 5, 2008, at a local nursing home. Marcia was born April 29, 1923 in Grand Rapids to Arthur and Mame (Pfenning) Backstrom. She was a graduate of Muskegon High School and later worked as a secretary for Dr. Eck. On January 29, 1944 Marcia married Richard Lee Close in Muskegon, and he preceded her in death on January 28, 2006. Marcia was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, as well as a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, V.F.W. 446 Auxiliary, the Mona Lake Boat Club, and the Moose Lodge. Marcia was also the past state president of the Michigan Marine Corps League Auxiliary. SURVIVORS include her son, Richard (Deborah) Close Jr. of Spring Lake; her daughters, Barbara (Bill) Martin-David of Fruitport and Nancy (Chris) Damvelt of Harrison, MI; 6 grandchildren, Christopher Close, Shannon (Guy) Meloche, Adam (Mindy) Martin, Mathew (Renee) Martin, Shawn (Jeremy) Smith, and John Richard Damvelt; 2 step-grandchildren, Ryan and Nichole Junge; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and friends. THE FUNERAL LITURGY will be 3PM Saturday, November 8, 2008 at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd with Deacon Bill McCabe presiding. VISITATION with the family will be 1 hour prior to the service (2-3PM). Burial will be made in St. Mary's Cemetery. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the WWII Veterans Memorial in Grand Rapids.