Marva Blais

Marva R. Blais, age 88, passed away peacefully in Cedar, Michigan on March 25, 2007, after a long and happy life with her loving children at her bedside. Marva was born in Ann Arbor on May 28, 1918, to Henry and Marva Rood who raised her in Pelham, NY. She attended Pelham Memorial High School where she was a standout athlete. She excelled in field hockey, and captained her team her junior and senior years. She attended Skidmore College and thereafter moved to Michigan where she worked at Sealed Power Corporation. She married Robert L. Blais in 1948 and they spent most of their 57 years together in Muskegon where she enjoyed the welcoming friendship and company of Robert's family. Robert preceded her in death on October 5, 2005. Marva lived for her family and friends. She embraced life every step of the way and spread love and encouragement to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Marva also had a deep compassion and love for animals. She spent the last three years of her life living on her daughter, Marva's, farm in Traverse City, relishing the company of horses, dogs and the surrounding wildlife. On the farm, she received loving care from Marva and her caregiver, Julie Enger. Marva is survived by her five children, Philip (Deborah) of San Diego, James (Ann) of Spring Lake, Robert (Cindy) of Seattle, Paul (Linda) of Fremont and Marva of Cedar, her ten grandchildren Karin, Kristin, James, Jeffrey, Jonathon, Christopher, Ryan, Kelsey, Paul and Lauren; her cousin, Virginia DePeuter; her niece, Peggy Ann Walters and nephew, Steven Allerton. She survived her two sisters, Laura Allerton and Margaret "Peggy" O'Neil. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 11 AM Thursday, March 29, 2007, at St. Jean the Baptiste Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. James Wyse presiding. Entombment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. VISITATION with Marva's family will be 5:30 - 8PM Wednesday at The Walburn Chapel Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565 where the Rosary will be prayed at 7PM. For a more lasting memorial you are asked to consider The Humane Society-Animal Rescue of Muskegon County.