Marie Bouwman

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, Marie Bouwman created a vibrant tapestry of memories with those she loved. She lovingly raised her children in the Christian faith, and always placing their needs before her own. Although she could be a little feisty at times, Marie was a strong woman with a deep faith who lived by her convictions. A godly woman, she set a fine example for her children to live by. The year 1914 brought much change to the American culture as World War I loomed overseas. On the home front, Henry Ford astounded the business world when he began paying workers $5 a day in an effort to minimize turnover, and to the delight of children everywhere, the Tinkertoy was introduced. Yet in the rural community of Chandler, Minnesota, Henry and Marie (DeKruif) Veenhof were delighted by the November 22, 1914 birth of their little girl, Anna Marie, born at home on their family farm. Her father was a hard working farmer, and her mother looked after their bustling household where Anna grew up alongside her eight siblings. At the age of 13, Anna experienced the loss of her mother when she sadly died in childbirth. Anna was called upon to care for her younger siblings, all while tending to household responsibilities. Her father farmed with horses, and Anna to looked after them. Left with nine children to raise, Anna's father eventually married Lorraine Salie two years later who was also a widow. With four children of her own, they blended their families and made a good home together. In time, Anna welcomed the birth of yet another sibling when her father and stepmother had a son who completed their large family. Although her birth name was Anna Marie, for most of Anna's life she went by Marie. Even her own children did not come to know this fact until much later in her life. Having attended the local schools, Marie's family eventually moved from Chandler to Edgerton, Minnesota where she resumed her studies. Life was hard during the Great Depression which created financial instability the world over. When Marie was in her early twenties, her father drove her to Grand Rapids, Michigan where other family members lived in hopes she could find employment. There were no jobs to speak of in Minnesota, yet this was a big step for a young woman like Marie. Marie eventually made her way to Muskegon, Michigan where she began working as a domestic for Dr. Hannon on Peck Street. She tended to all of the housework and took care of the Hannon children for a minimal wage and board while residing on the third floor of their home. Marie was content with this arrangement, and adjusted to the city of Muskegon, although at times she was lonesome for her own family. In Muskegon she made several friends and built a life for herself there. Life for Marie changed in a remarkable way when she was introduced to her future husband, William Henry Bouwman through mutual friends, Al and Bertha Workman. For their first date, she and William attended a Valentine's Day party at the Berean Church. Before long, their relationship blossomed and they became engaged. After buying a car, they headed to Marie's family home in Edgarton, Minnesota and were happily married on July 2, 1940. After returning to Muskegon, Marie and William made their first home together on Aurora Street. Blessed with the addition of children in their lives, Marcella Marie came along in 1942, followed by Daniel Henry in 1944. William Lee was born in 1949, and Patricia Ann completed their family in 1953. Needing a larger home, they were ready to move to a new house on Allen Avenue when Patricia decided to make her debut. While Marie was giving birth to her in the hospital, all their belonging were being moved to the new place Marie would call home. Marie raised her children to be respectful and of moral character. Most important to Marie was family life and the importance of being a good Christian - living to serve God and family. As a family they were very devoted to reading scripture together. They shared devotions daily, even when guests were present. They read a chapter from the bible each day until they reached the end of Revelations, and would then begin all over again with Genesis. Her faith and serving her church was an important part of Marie's life. She faithfully attended Eastlawn Reformed Church and later became a member of Hope Reformed Church where she made many friends. She belonged to the Ladies Guild and the Fellowship Group, and Marie could always be counted on to have plenty of peppermints with her to share. As a young mother, it was quite an adventure going grocery shopping with her children at Meijer Thrifty Acres on Henry Street. These shopping excursions were a treat for all as they enjoyed dinner in the cafeteria there before going downstairs to do their shopping. With a servant's heart, Marie for many years gave her time at church and as a volunteer at Hackley Hospital. No stranger to hard work, in time she began working as a housekeeper at Christian Care Nursing Home and also cleaned houses for extra income. But one thing was missing from Marie's life, and it was completing her education. She never attended high school, but felt inclined to enroll in the Adult Education Program at Orchard View High School where she graduated, earning her GED in 1990. Marie was a feisty woman who could hold her ground when she believed in something, yet was just as loving and tenderhearted, especially when it came to her family. Sharing the company of those she loved brought Marie the greatest joy. Throughout the years it was always fun to share a board game or two with her children and grandchildren. Her knitting and crocheting abilities also came in handy whenever new family arrivals were expected. Her gray cat, Sassy, and dog, Lady as well as many other dogs throughout Marie's life always became a part of the family. When reflecting on the life of Marie Bouwman, we are reminded of her wonderful, faithful spirit and her good sense of humor. With ways all her own, Marie was an orderly woman, and even had an "envelope system" for paying bills! Most importantly, Marie will be remembered as a devoted wife, dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and more recently, a great-great grandmother to those she leaves behind. Mrs. Marie Bouwman, age 99, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2014. SURVIVORS: Daughters, Marcella (Richard) Anderschat of OH, Patricia (David) Gillish of Ravenna; son, William (Brenda) Bouwman of Muskegon; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; brothers, Harris (Harriet) Salie of CA, Nick (Rose) Veenhof of MN; sisters, Minn Tenkley of WA, Leona Kreun of CA; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William in 1969; and a son, Daniel; grandchildren, Dawn and Paul Bouwman; four brothers and five sisters. SERVICE: Thursday, July 3, 2014, 11:00 AM at Hope Reformed Church with Rev. Steve Hyma officiating. Interment at Oakwood Cemetery. VISITATION: Wednesday, 6-9 PM at Clock Funeral Home-Muskegon and Thursday, one hour prior to the service at Hope Reformed Church. MEMORIAL: Hope Reformed Church Memorial Fund. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory or photo of Marie and to sign her online guest book.