Barbara Ann Bronsema's Obituary
Mrs. Barbara Ann Bronsema, age 86, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2016. She was born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 24, 1929 to Clayton and Olive (Jones) Patterson and had lived in the area all of her life. Barb had been employed as a secretary at Muskegon Public Schools for 22 years before her retirement in 1988. She had previously worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. Barb was a member of McGraft Memorial Congregational Church, Muskegon Vikings, and Elk Lodge #274. She enjoyed volunteering at Hackley Hospital and serving as an usher at the Frauenthal and Civic Theatres. Barb also enjoyed reading (especially with her neighborhood condo association book club friends), golfing and traveling. On January 1, 1951, Barb married John Henry Bronsema in Muskegon and he survives her along with their children, Susan K. (Thomas) Heethuis of Traverse City and James J. (Sheryle) Bronsema of Spring Lake; four grandchildren, Jeffrey (Emy) Heethuis, Megan Heethuis, Nicholas (Sarah) Bronsema and Stacy (Ryan) Skiba and four great-grandchildren, Jarrod and Catelyn Heethuis and Harper and Finnleigh Bronsema. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Marjorie Nelson, Doris Mack and Helen Patterson. SERVICES will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, September 10, 2016 at The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., 231-798-1100 with Rev. Mark Nieuwsma officiating. VISITATION will be one hour prior to her service. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. MEMORIALS in Barb’s memory may be made to McGraft Memorial Congregational Church or Harbor Hospice.
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