Marian Vande Bunte

All who knew Marian Vande Bunte would agree that her strength, courage, and spirit of independence were truly an inspiration. It was easy to see that her unwavering faith was a cornerstone, and with unending love for those around her she exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. It has been said that Marian was the glue that kept her family together, and there was nothing she loved more than being surrounded by her family and friends. Life will never be the same without Marian here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It was great to be an American during the decade that we commonly recall as the Roaring Twenties. Innovation was leading the way to new technology that brought us radios, motion pictures in both color and sound, and cars that were largely mass produced on assembly lines throughout our great land. This decade was also marked by great excitement in the lives of Dick and Emma (VanNoord) Vande Bunte as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of fall began to unfold in Western Michigan in October of 1922. Their wait was over on October 11th when they welcomed their daughter, Marian Ruth, into their hearts and home in Jamestown, Michigan. The oldest of four, she was a typical young girl of her generation. Marian’s father was a school superintendent in Hudsonville while her mother was a busy homemaker. As a student she attended local schools and graduated from Hudsonville High School in 1940. Marian continued her education, graduating from Hope College in 1944 with a BA in education.

With her education behind her, Marian was poised for a rewarding career. She spent two years teaching in Zeeland, and from there she taught sixth grade for Grand Haven Public School for three years. Marian then began teaching school in Denver, Colorado, during the summer, and she fell in love with the area. She continued teaching there for three years. After the death of her father, Marian moved back to Fremont, Michigan, and she taught there for four or five years. She soon settled in at Godfrey Lee Public Schools in Wyoming, Michigan, and this is where she remained for the rest of her working days. After developing ovarian cancer, Marian retired early in 1978. Although she was given only a five percent survival rate, her strength, resilience, and determination allowed her to beat the disease with her faith as her constant companion during this entire time. In 1991 Marian moved to Freedom Village.

Throughout her life Marian was one to keep busy. She was a longtime member of Garfield Park Reformed Church, and she had currently been a member of Third Reformed Church. Marian was very active in her church over the years as she sang in the church choir, taught Sunday school, and was always been active in women’s organizations. She also gave of her time in other ways as she was in The Elizabeth Circle, worked in the office at Freedom Village, and was very involved in the church newsletter. Marian was also a volunteer with the Red Cross. She was known for her fantastic cooking skills, and among her favorite dishes were her pineapple angel food cake and Swiss steak. Gifted and talented, Marian regularly played the piano for years.. Even as her sight and hearing declined, she continued to make the most of each and every day she was given.

With unending love for her Lord and those around her, Marian Vande Bunte was a blessing in the lives of so many around her. She worked hard in everything she did, and she never shied away from any challenge that came her way. Described as sweet, gracious, and compassionate, Marian lived to serve those around her in ways both great and small. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

On June 19, Marian Ruth Vande Bunte, loving aunt to many, passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Ms. Vande Bunte is survived by her sister, Hazel (Leon) Wiersema; sister in-law, Elaine (Lewis) Vande Bunte; loving nieces & nephews, Esther (Richard) Vande Bunte, Katherine (Barb) Vande Bunte, Mary (Michael) Ross, Brian (Anne) Wiersema, Steven (Jane) Wiersema, Van Alan Wiersema, Janet (Steven) Brunner. Marian was preceded in death by her sister, Vera (Lester) Hintz. The family will receive visitors Monday June 24, from 10:00 - 10:45 a.m. at Third Reformed Church, 111 West 13th Street, Holland. A funeral ceremony will immediately follow visitation at 11:00 a.m. at Third Church. Reverend Kent Fry and Reverend Kama Jongerius officiating. Interment in Forest Grove Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to Third Reformed Church and Hospice of Holland - 270 Hoover Blvd Holland, MI 49423. To leave a memory or to sign an online register book please visit, www.dykstrafuneralhome.com