Sunday was a lovely day in Grand Rapids, quite unexpectedly so for December. It was a perfect day in fact for saying goodbye to Mom/Gram. The family gathered for brunch at Lucy's on Plainfield in Grand Rapids: Bergmans, Vanden Bergs, Shane, Battjes, and Engels, all enjoying a meal together.
siblings: Christina, Rachel, Jonathan and Melissa
sisters and their mom: Christina, Joyce, Rachel and Melissa
Glen and Christina
After a scrumptious meal and lots of time for family catching up, we convoyed to Woodlawn Cemetery to pay a visit to Bern. And Tunis, too, of course.
Susie and I left Rhode Island in 2015 and moved to Grand Rapids because we could and because we wanted to help her mom remain as independent as possible and less dependent as possible on strangers. In the intervening nine years we've met some truly wonderful folk and had some grand experiences all the while spending time with one of the nicest people I have ever known.
It's really as simple as that. Or maybe it's not.
For those who knew her I can't really add anything more than what you already learned from your own experience.
And for those who didn't know her, well you missed out knowing one fine human being.
Her graveside service from 20 November 2024, performed by Laurie Ten Have-Chapman at Woodlawn Cemetery, close to the 17th green of Indian Trails Golf Course:
Oh, and the man holding the umbrella for Laurie in David Durston of Zaagman Funeral Home.
Photos of the interment courtesy of Dick Lucas Van Halsema:
