Darlene Bunker Taylor's Obituary
Darlene Bunker Taylor, loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully from the arms of her beloved husband, Marvin, into the arms of her beloved Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023. Darlene was born and raised in Muskegon, MI, and named Darlene Marie by her precious parents, Peter and Josephine Bunker, on August 26th, 1936. She adored growing up with her older brother Jay and later married Marvin Eugene Taylor, son of Marvin and Genevieve Taylor, on September 4, 1954. They shared the gift of nearly 70 years of marriage together, initially building a home next to Darlene’s parents, raising 5 beautiful children, and eventually relocating to Grand Haven, MI in 1980. Darlene’s greatest loves were Marvin, her family, and entertaining anyone and everyone who entered her home. She had a generous spirit of hospitality, cooking and preparing so many wonderful foods to the pleasure of all she served. Darlene also appreciated education, nature, and travel, and developed a passion for photography. She obtained a bachelor's degree in education from GVSU and soon after made the decision to attend Cooley Law School, graduating at the top of her Class of 1987. She reluctantly retired from a successful family law practice at the age of 75. In retirement, Darlene and Marvin continued a lifelong love of travel and bird watching. They traveled the states and nearly every country in the world, returning to relax on the shores of Lake Michigan and eventually settling in on bayou living at its best. Darlene will be unspeakably missed by her devoted husband and love of her life, Marvin, as well as her beloved children, Joy (Jerry) Eilers, Marvin Gene (Joy) Taylor, Mark (Luann) Taylor, David (Carolyn) Taylor, and Todd (Molly) Taylor. She stood in awe and gratitude for the legacy of 21 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, who will especially miss her greetings of “Punkin”, “Love”, and “Come back anytime!” Darlene will also be grieved by her best friend, Arthea; together with Barb and Sandy, all lifelong friends since childhood; Karen, a cherished cousin; Sue, her beloved niece; and many more. In summary, if Darlene had to describe her life in one word, that one word would most certainly be: “BLESSED!”
VISITATION with the family take place on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, from 5-8 PM at the VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417). A MEMORIAL MASS will be 11 AM on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at The St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish (920 Fulton Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with Fr. Dan Schumaker presiding. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to the Muskegon Rescue Mission, in support of the people of her original hometown. The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services is honored to be serving the Taylor family. To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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