Mary E. Dykema

When reflecting on the life of Mary Dykema, words such as selfless, gentle, and humble come to mind. However, the word that is most commonly woven throughout her lifes tapestry is nurturing. Mary lived to nurture and care for others, and she was completely devoted to loving her husband, raising her children, and doting over her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was clear to see that she was a woman of faith whose life exemplified what it means to be a woman after Gods own heart. All who knew Mary and her husband would agree that together they exemplified what marriage is truly intended to be as their love was unconditional and forgiving throughout their love story of more than 60 years. Nothing will ever be the same without Mary here, but her memory will remain a lasting treasure in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come. It was great to be an American during the 1920s. Nearly the entire decade was covered in prosperity and innovation that included more affordable cars, radios, and refrigerators in the home. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1921 that was filled with unspeakable joy for a young couple from North Muskegon, Michigan, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their first child on September 4th. Mary E. was born in the family home and was the oldest of seven children born to her parents, Bouke and Jennie (Noordhoek) Buwalda, and she was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Peter, Beverly, Charlotte, and twins John and Barbara. Her father worked as a grocer at the family store while her mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. They were members of Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church and took a memorable trip to the West Coast together. Even though the Buwalda family suffered losses that shaped how Mary and her siblings viewed life, many of their everyday experiences were ones that were typical for the youth of her generation. Mary enjoyed playing with her siblings, and she also liked fishing in Muskegon Lake and riding her bike. She was a student at local schools and had close friendships with Katie Mouw and Harriet Guikema. As a student at North Muskegon schools, Mary contracted rheumatic fever during her junior year, which caused her to miss so much school that she graduated one year later. She continued to enjoy biking, especially to Lake Michigan, and although she did not enjoy it, Mary, being a good friend, would go horseback riding. She went on to graduate from high school in 1941. This was the same year that our nation entered into WWII, and as our nation was greatly impacted by this trying time Mary was also. She kept track of the military status of her fellow classmates in her yearbook, noting who was injured and whether they returned home after the wars end. From there Mary attended Daniels School of Cosmetology, but was she was never employed as a cosmetologist. Her skills did come in handy throughout her life, however, as she cut hair for her children and daughter-in-law. Interestingly, Mary refused to cut her husbands hair because she did not want to mess up his beautiful wavy hair! New and exciting changes were in store for Mary when she met the young man who stole her heart. His name was Nicholas Dykema, and they met when they were both invited to dinner by Marys cousin, Marian Stevens and her husband. Marys cousin had fantastic matchmaking skills as she and Nick began dating, and one year later they became engaged on New Years Eve. The sweethearts were married on May 2, 1952. Shortly thereafter they moved into the house they built on Oak Avenue in North Muskegon. Together they welcomed four children into their hearts and home, Robert in 1953, Carol in 1955, Joan in 1959, and John in 1963. Marys primary focus was on raising her children including tending to Carols needs. Life in the Dykema home was always a bustle of activity. Mary was an extraordinary homemaker who kept a clean house, made amazing homemade meals, and managed not only to feed her larger family but also to keep them all tastefully dressed while being on a tight budget. Mary liked to look her best, too, and always primped a bit before Nick came home. The family enjoyed annual summer trips to Elk Lake, a spring break trip to Charlotte, North Carolina, and a camping trip to Niagara Falls and Ontario, Canada, taken in a rented mini motorhome. This trip was particularly memorable when Mary, who was not the most athletic person, lost her footing while going down an embankment to a creek and ended up looking like she was sliding into home plate! There were priceless family traditions as well such as popcorn after church on Sunday nights by the fire in the fireplace, birthday celebrations, wiener roasts in the fireplace, and huge holiday gatherings with extended family. Together they were members of First Reformed Church until it closed, which brought them to Hope Reformed. Although her life was filled with so many experiences that she enjoyed, it was sharing her days with her loved ones that she truly cherished. Generous and selfless, she not only cared for husband and children but for others as well as she often cooked or made bread or goodies for various friends and neighbors. Mary also took her mother-in-law where she needed to go like to appointments or out shopping. There was often warm homemade bread at lunchtime when John came home from school. Mary was almost always home when her kids came home from school, but on the rare occasion when she was not they had to crawl through the kitchen window after removing the screen. Joan savored being able to go to church with her parents and seeing the proud looks on their faces when all of the family was together. In fact, Mary cherished her roles as a grandmother and great-grandmother and was so proud to show them all off. Mary and Nick were excited to be grandparents and would go to grandparents day at school whenever they could. Mary was there to cook lunch for Beth every Friday when she started at North Muskegon High School. Later in life Mary and Nick took care of one another. Loving, generous, and giving, Mary Dykema was a gift to those around her. She has been described as a bit of a worrywart when it came to her family, but she simply cherished her loved ones with every breath. Marys faith was the compass she used to direct her steps, and her love for life, laughter, and others was contagious. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Mary E. Dykema died on Saturday, August 2, 2014. Marys family includes her husband, Nicholas; sons, Robert (Patricia) Dykema of N. Muskegon, John (Lisa) Dykema of WI; daughter, Joan Stover of Grand Rapids; grandchildren, Sarah (Scott) Dykman, Elizabeth (Phillip) Nicholson, Kimberly (fianc, Matthew Dykstra) Stover, Stephanie Stover, David, Nicholas, Jack and Harry Dykema; great-grandchildren, Emmalee & Ella Dykman, Michael & Gabriel Nicholson; sisters, Beverly Larson of New Era, Barbara (Bill) Rathbun of Fruitport. Mary was preceded in death by daughter, Carol Dykema; son-in-law, Michael Stover; brothers, Peter & John Buwalda; sister, Charlotte Buwalda. Services will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2014, 11:00 a.m. at the Clock Chapel - Muskegon with Rev. Steve Hyma officiating. Interment at Laketon Township Cemetery. Visit with Marys family and friends on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. and Thursday, one hour prior to the service at Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon. Memorials can be made to Hope Reformed Church Food Truck or the Charity of Your Choice.