Marcia Tjapkes

April 30, 1937 - April 16, 2022

Per her wishes, Marcia Tjapkes rode to heaven in a chariot Saturday night. No more crutches. No walker. No wheelchair! Marcia, age 84, passed away on April 16. A gifted singer, she sang in the heavenly chorus on Easter morning. Marcia was born April 30, 1937, in Saginaw, to Phil and Peg Keessen, and their family moved to Muskegon shortly after that. On September 27, 1957, she married Doug Tjapkes in Muskegon. Marcia and Doug moved to the Tri-Cities in 1964 and raised their family in this community. Marcia was a graduate of Western Michigan Christian High School of Muskegon, and the Blodgett School of Nursing in Grand Rapids. In her quiet manner, in addition to her role as a loving wife and mother, she became a pioneer in her church and in her profession. She was a member of Ferrysburg Community Church since 1964. She served as the church’s first woman Sunday School Superintendent, the first woman Elder, and the first Parish Nurse. As a registered nurse, she became one of the first certified hospice nurses in her community, and later also obtained certification as a Parish Nurse. Family was an important part of Marcia’s life, and she is remembered for her famous Sunday dinners as the kids grew up. Her grandchildren were her precious jewels. She is survived by her husband Doug; four children: Cindy (Lee) Ingersoll, Greg (Tracie Ann) Tjapkes, Sue (Jon) Hamm, and Matthew (Melissa) Tjapkes; and nine grandchildren: Betsi Stone, Max Ingersoll, Brenden Hamm, Zachary Hamm, Cole Tjapkes, Skyler Tjapkes, Hannah Tjapkes, Gabrielle Tjapkes, and Caleb Tjapkes. She is also survived by a brother, Robert Keessen, and a sister, Ann Mary Dykstra. A celebration of Marcia’s life will be held 3-5 PM Sunday, May 22, 2022, at the Harbourfront Grand Hall. Memorial contributions in Marcia’s name can be made to Ferrysburg Community Church or Humanity for Prisoners. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com.