Mrs. Doris Mae Goudzwaard's Obituary
Doris Mae Goudzwaard, age 85, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2017. Doris was born on February 25, 1932 to John and Elizabeth (VanLummel) Post in Grand Rapids, Michigan and moved with her family to Muskegon Heights at a young age. She graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1949 and from Western Michigan University in 1973 with a degree in elementary education. She married James Goudzwaard, Sr. in the fall of 1949 and they spent 65 years together. Doris spent many years at home raising their four children. Following her graduation from college she enjoyed nearly 20 years teaching kindergarten and first grade in the Reeths-Puffer Schools. Retirement brought new challenges as she worked in the family greenhouses filling urns and general supervision of her husband. She was an active member of Laketon Bethel Reformed Church and was part of the Ladies Guild and the Crafty Ladies. She spent many years knitting, quilting and learning many new crafts. She is survived by her four children; Judith (James) Hylen of Muskegon; Joan (Jerry) Williams of Newaygo; James, Jr. (Pat Larson) Goudzwaard of Muskegon and John (Nancy) Goudzwaard of Muskegon; 10 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and the 20th due later this summer, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Bessie Post, her sister, Betty (Bob) Medema, her husband, James, Sr. in 2015, and her daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Goudzwaard in 2014. Special thanks and appreciation for all the staff at Hillcrest, Christian Care Assisted Living, and most recent, Sanctuary at the Park. Doris made many new friends there and enjoyed many of the activities. Funeral Service will be at 11 AM Thursday, August 3, 2017 at Laketon Bethel Reformed Church, 1568 W. Giles Rd. Visitation will be one hour prior to the Funeral. Memorial Contributions may be made to the Sanctuary at the Park Activities Program.
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