Marian Faber

Marian Faber had a zest for life and an insatiable love in her heart for both her Lord and so many others. She was kind and generous, often sharing her baking talents with those within her reach. Marian traveled many places throughout her life, yet one of her favorite places to be was gathered with her family and friends. She was fun-loving and compassionate, a woman who truly sparkled just by being who she was each and every day.

The year 1918 was a significant one in our nation’s history for many reasons. It was the year that Daylight Savings Time occurred for the first time, the influenza epidemic hit a peak of 202 deaths daily, and it was the year that is most often associated with the end of WWI. It was also a year of great significance for Albert and Gertie (Bonzelaar) Voss of Holland, Michigan, as they were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Marian Ruth, on March 25th. Marian was born at home and was the oldest child in the Voss family. She was later joined by Bernie, Gladys, and Roger. Marian accepted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour at an early age and set out to live the rest of her 91 years for him. She graduated from Holland Christian High School in 1936. Marian continued her education from there by graduating from an all girls’ business college the following year.

Life turned in a new direction for Marian when she married Henry J. Faber on March 11, 1941 in Maple Avenue Christian Reformed Church. They were later blessed with the births of three children: Barb, Jack, and Jeane. Marian loved her children dearly and easily embraced them in her fun-loving spirit. She often took her children to the beach and on picnics where many precious memories were made. Marian loved cooking for her family and on many Saturdays one would find her cooking and baking in her kitchen. She was most famous for her spaghetti, apple pie, and coffee cakes. In fact she often baked for others and on more than one occasion, her children delivered her coffee cakes to grateful recipients.

In addition to caring for her family, there were plenty of other interests Marian enjoyed pursuing. For a time she worked as a secretary at Maple Avenue Christian Reformed Church where she was a charter member for more than 85 years. Marian also worked at Western Michigan Theological Seminary as a secretary in the pastor placement department. Marian and Henry shared common interests including singing in the church choir, traveling to Florida, and spending time at their trailer on Pine Lake, in Barry County. Marian and Henry’s travels also took them to Hawaii, Alaska and Canada. As a lifelong resident of Holland, Marian always got into the festive spirit each spring when the Tulip Time Festival is celebrated in Holland. For close to 50 years she served as a host and rented rooms in her home during this time. As a result, she made many lifelong friends from different states. Marian also enjoyed playing hymns on the piano throughout her life and she loved listening to her grandchildren play as well as sing. Marian regularly met with classmates from Holland Christian in addition to many other friends.

Later in life, Marian experienced many changes – some of which were difficult for her. Her beloved Henry died in 1982 leaving her alone for the first time in nearly 50 years. She was strong, continued being social, traveling to Florida and even added Europe and Australia to her passport. Marian lived in her home on Washington Avenue for 57 years. When it came time to move out, this was certainly a difficult and emotional experience for her. Once she made the transition, however, she embraced her new home at the Warm Friend. Marian discovered that she loved it there and experienced a whole new world. Marian even found companionship with a lifelong friend. Dr. Jerry Bulthuis and his wife Marion were longtime friends of Marian and Henry. After both Marian and Dr. Bulthuis lost their spouses, they became companions and friends until her death. Marian was currently a member of Graafschap Christian Reformed Church.

Marian Faber was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, but above all Marian was a woman of faith. She found both peace and comfort in her relationship with her Lord and her life was a constant reflection of her beliefs. Marian enjoyed a diverse palette of interests throughout her life, but gatherings with those who meant the most to her were always the treasured moments in her life. She was a talented cook and baker whose basic recipe for living consisted of a little of this and a little of that with consistency. Marian was such a lovely woman who always seemed to be thinking of the needs of others rather than her own.

During the last few years of her life at Warm Friend and then at Rest Haven's Rachael House, Marian was greatly encouraged by the Christian atmosphere, the love and care of friends and family, and the sustaining power of the Lord. Even as her body was declining, the joy and love she showed was evidence of her inner peace and was a gift to those who knew her best and will so lovingly remember her life. She will be greatly missed.

Marian Ruth Faber of Holland died on Monday October 26, 2009.

Marian’s family includes her children, Barb (Ken) Fought of Holland, Jack (Marge) Faber of Boulder, CO, and Jeane (Jerry) Pitcher of Gowen, MI; her grandchildren, Brian (Julie), Eli, Angela, Eric, Joe (Katie), Ben, and Amy; and her five great grandchildren; as well as her special friend, Dr. Jerry Bulthuis of Holland.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry J. Faber in 1982 and her brother Bernie Voss, her sister Gladys Jansen, and her brother Roger Voss.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday October 29, 2009 at the Graafschap Christian Reformed Church, 5973 Church Street.

Visit with Marian’s family and friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. at Dykstra Life Story Funeral Homes – Mulder Chapel, Holland, MI, 188 West 32nd Street.

Burial will take place in Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign her online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Resthaven Care Community.