Marilyn R. Bolema

Although Marilyn Bolema valued many things throughout her life, none were more important than creating close relationships with the family she treasured so deeply. She was a loving wife, devoted mother and proud grandmother and great grandmother, who laced her days with hard work and selfless deeds. Marilyn was a woman of great strength and deep faith, who persevered through trials that came her way, always remaining true to the joy that was in her heart. The 1930s were a notoriously frightening time in the United States history. After the collapse of the stock market in 1929, the U.S. found itself facing a time of great change and hardships, but also a time that built strength and perseverance. With Herbert Hoover in the White House, Babe Ruth wowing the world on the baseball field, and Mickey Mouse making his first appearance in comic strips, this was a time of many beginnings. In Ludington, Michigan, Alfred and Ruth (Ogren) Holman were preparing their home for the beginning of a new life. On March 23, 1930, they delighted in welcoming the birth of their first child, daughter Marilyn. A bright and energetic little girl, Marilyn grew up in Ludington with her younger brother, Sonny. Her father provided for the family working at Continental Motors, making tanks for the war, while her mother was a homemaker. Some of Marilyns fondest childhood memories were made with her cousins, Bobby and Dolores. She and Dolores had special dolls they played with for hours together, and after Marilyn moved away, the girls called each other every day to see how their dolls were doing. It was obvious at a young age that Marilyn was musically inclined and she learned to play the piano and clarinet. For her education, she attended Longfellow Elementary School, and after her family moved to Roosevelt Park, she took her place among the student body at Muskegon Heights Jr. High. Marilyn played in the school marching band and in her senior year, she was smitten with the handsome football player, Donald Bolema. She had also caught Donalds eye, and it wasnt long before the two began dating. The sweethearts went on to graduate from Muskegon Heights in 1949, and were happily married a year later on October 28, 1950. After saying I do, Donald got to work on building a new house for his bride in North Muskegon. It wasnt long before they filled their new home with the joy and laughter of five children: Susan Jane (1951), Cindy Lou (1952), Margie Ann (1953), Scott Rick (1955) and Bonny Sue (1957). For Marilyn, there was nothing more valuable and more rewarding than giving all you can give of yourself to your children and your family. She stayed home when the children were born to devote herself to the role of a mother. She was the first one up every morning, making sure the kids lunches were packed for school, and she never forgot to remind them to say their prayers. Marilyn loved to dress her girls up every Easter in their cute little bonnets. Time together as a family was important to Marilyn and Don, and they loved to pack their kids up and take them on camping trips to the Mackinaw Bridge, or head down to the drive-in movie theater in the Cadillac. For about 5 years, Marilyn, Don and the kids would spend Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa Bolemas house along with many aunts, uncles and cousins. Then, Marilyn and Don decided to share in the Christmas spirit and have it at their house; the tree was always decorated with festive blue lights. Traditionally, on a Sunday morning, Don would make his secret recipe pancakes for the family before they headed off to service at the First Congregational Church. By evening, they were gathered around the TV to watch the Ed Sullivan Show and The Wonderful World of Disney (that was if their homework was done). One thing that Marilyn seemed to understand so well is that it wasnt about the grand, glorious things she did for her family, but it was the little things that made them so secure in her love. Something as simple as having a hot meal on the table every night so the family would all come together at the end of the day; thus, keeping the family close. Aside from her family, Marilyn had many interests to keep her busy. She enjoyed sewing her own clothes for many years and was always fashionably dressed. Her love of music always kept her occupied as she enjoyed going to see silent movies at the Frauenthal Theatre, which were accompanied by the pipe organ. She also enjoyed 1940s Big Band music (Harry James), and watching the classic movies, Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind. Her children will especially miss her playing the old fashioned pump organ while they all sang along. Once a month, Marilyn enjoyed getting together with her social club which included some high school friends and her sister-in-law, Donna. While catching up with each other, they played cards (pinochle) and had some refreshments. Of all the wonderful things in Marilyns life, time spent with her loved ones towered above all the rest. She derived great joy in watching her family grow and succeed, and becoming a grandmother was just the icing on the cake. Marilyn loved to babysit her grandkids, Kristen, Tyler and Meghan when they were babies, but she was always in her glory surrounded by the love and smiles of her grandchildren. In every word and deed, Marilyn shared her love with her family and friends, the people who brought immeasurable joy to her life. Her legacy of love and dedication leaves her loved ones with wonderful memories and a strong foundation to look to for comfort. Marilyn R. Bolema, age 81, passed away on Saturday, March 10, 2012. She is survived by her son, Scott Bolema of Muskegon; daughters, Susan (Dennis) Damskey of GA, Cindy Martin of AZ, Bonny (Bob) Grove of Muskegon; grandchildren, Meghan, Rachel, Noelle, Kristen, Tyler, Lisa; 5 great grandchildren; brother, Alfred (Shirley) Holman of AZ; several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; daughter, Marjorie; aunts, Lillian & Millie. Services will be on Thursday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. and visitation 1 hour prior to the service at the Clock Chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon with Rev. Ken Shady officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Harbor Hospice Poppen House. Please visit Marilyns personal memory page at www.clockfuneralhome.com, where you may share a memory or sign the online guest book.