Florence M. Guilford

In a fast-paced world where it seems as though so many people are consumed by their own lives, so few are the people that really take the time to embrace the hearts of their family and friends. Florence M. Guilford was one of the few who take the time to listen and truly hear what others are saying. With her soft spoken and caring nature, she made a difference in the lives of her family and friends and an impression on their hearts that will last a lifetime.

The roaring twenties were a glorious time in history. With the sweet sound of jazz music playing on the radio, the American dream was working at a fevered pitch and good fortune was alive and well. From books and movies to automobiles and airplanes, the country never had it so good. For the Kuyers family, in particular, the decade was truly living up to its billing. With the 1920s in full swing, the couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Florence.

When Florence was just two years old, she became an older sister to her new baby sister Dorothy. While growing up, her family lived in Holland, Michigan and attended Immanuel Baptist Church. Florence 's father worked at Chris Craft boat factory to support his wife and two young daughters. From the time she was in kindergarten to the day she entered high school, Florence attended Holland Public Schools. A few years out of school, Florence and her girlfriend, Sylvia Van Oord, were set up on a double date with a couple of young gentlemen. Shortly after arriving to the date, Florence and Sylvia realized that they were mismatched and decided to switch partners. Florence spent the evening with Sylvia's date, Dee Guilford, and the rest, as they say, is history.

When she was 18, Florence became Mrs. Dee C. Guilford. As newlyweds, she and Dee made their first home on Highland Street on Holland 's east side. Around the time of their wedding, America was becoming embroiled in a battle overseas known as WWII and Dee was called to serve his country in the United States Navy. It was never hard to figure out when Dee had come home on leave because Florence would end up pregnant, and that always made her laugh. The couple's first son Allen was born in 1940, followed by Marilyn in 1941, Judy in 1943, and Sheryl in 1944. As a young woman and lifetime resident of Holland, Florence enjoyed taking advantage of the many state parks and local beaches and she was able to share this with her children.

In 1966, Florence 's husband fell victim to a heart attack and passed away. Just eleven years later, she suffered another tragic loss when her son Allen died in a motorcycle accident. In later years she relied heavily on her faith, becoming an active member of Faith Christian Center. Every Sunday, her close friend, Gene Key, would pick her up and take her to church. Florence had always been a fabulous cook and baker; one of specialties was pigs in a blanket. While attending Faith, she spent a great deal of time working in the kitchen, sharing her talents with others. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxillary, Holland VFW Post #2144. In her sixties, she got a roommate and confidante when she adopted a kitten named Frisky. Frisky stayed by Florence 's side for 14 years. Several years ago, Florence started becoming forgetful, which made it hard for her to live on her own. In 2001 she moved into Heartland of Holland, a local nursing home, where she spent her final days. Now in passing, she will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all of her family and friends.

Florence M. Guilford died on Tuesday July 25, 2006, at the age of 84. She was preceded in death by her husband Dee Guilford in 1966, and her son, Allen, in 1977. Her family includes: children Marilyn and Larry Vliem of Zeeland, Judy and Dave Bolles of Hamilton, Sheryl Kimber of Holland; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren; four great great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Services will be held at 1 pm on Friday at the Mulder Chapel Dykstra Life Story Funeral Home, 188 west 32nd Street, Holland, MI., with the Rev. Randy DePree officiating. Burial will be in Pilgrim Home Cemetery in Holland. Visiting will be from 12-1 pm prior to the service at the Funeral Home on Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland of Holland or Hospice of Heartland. Please visit Florence 's personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com for further information and an online registry.