Patty Dalman

Patricia (Murphy) Dalman, born March 2, 1953, of Holland, Michigan passed away after a two year journey with ovarian cancer on September 17, 2024. Patty was energetic, enthusiastic and generous who made everyone feel welcome. She could always be counted on, was a positive person everyone wanted to be around, and she fiercely loved her family.

Patty grew up in Holland, Michigan with her parents, Archie and Lois Murphy and her older brother, Robert. She graduated from West Ottawa High School and went on to study at Grand Valley State where she got her bachelor of science degree in physical education with a minor in elementary education. She became a high school coach at West Ottawa High School for the volleyball, track and cheerleading teams. Later she went on to substitute teach in the Holland Public Schools for 20 years and worked in reception at the Hope College DeWitt Tennis Center for 25 years, both of which she enjoyed tremendously. Patty’s daily life was busy, full of friends and joy. She was so grateful for the many friendships she made through tennis, travel, hiking, the neighborhood, teaching, volunteering, her kids and her dogs. She often described herself as someone who does not like to sit still and often has a project at hand, such as rearranging the furniture, again!

Patty married Greg Dalman in 1976 and they lived in a small cottage on the edge of a dune in Macatawa, Michigan overlooking beautiful Lake Michigan. Later they built a home just next to that cottage in 1979 where they continued to live for the next 45 years. Patty and Greg had two daughters and two sons and Patty loved being their mom. She took on her role as a mother with so much love and devotion. There are many fond memories of family vacations, supporting her children in athletic events, and hosting gatherings at her welcoming home and on the beach. Patty was thrilled as her family grew when her children began to get married and then have grandchildren. Patty preferred to be called Grammy and she adored her grandchildren. Patty loved her husband, Greg, so very much and was so proud of the family they had created together.

Patty was very connected to her community. She was involved in several volunteering roles throughout her children’s education such as being a Project Charlie teacher and supporting sports teams and clubs. Patty and Greg were very proud to be part of the establishment of the Friendship House at Western Theological Seminary, an apartment complex where seminary students live alongside young adults with cognitive disabilities. Patty and Greg were members of Christ Memorial Church and also enjoyed attending Pillar Church with their daughter, Megan Dalman.

When you think of Patty you might remember her in her Jeep Wagoneer, Dutch dancing during Tulip Time, or playing tennis with friends. Or you might think of her enjoying the beach late in the afternoon sun, or playing with her grandchildren, or out for dinner with dear friends. Patty often talked about being so lucky to have a life so full of happiness and love, especially throughout her brave journey with cancer.

She is survived by her husband of almost 48 years, Greg Dalman, her daughter Katie (Kevin) Gingras and grandchildren James, Evelyn and Jude of Grand Rapids, her daughter Megan Dalman of Holland, her son John (Kendra) Dalman and grandson, Sutton of Lancaster, PA and her son, Jeff (Katie) Dalman and grandson, Patrick of Grand Rapids.

Patty is proceeded in death by her parents Archie and Lois Murphy, a brother Robert Murphy and a very special aunt Margaret Murphy.

A visitation will take place on Sunday, September 22 from 5-7pm at Dykstra Funeral Home - Mulder Chapel, 188 W 32nd St. Holland. A funeral service will be on Monday, September 23 at 10:00am at Christ Memorial Church - Sanctuary, 595 Graafschap Rd., Holland with Rev. Bill Boersma officiating. Burial will take place at Pilgrim Home Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Harbor Humane Society, or Grant Me Hope.

For those who are unable to attend the service in person, a live stream will be available HERE