Eleanor R. VanderMey's Obituary
Mrs. Eleanor R. VanderMey, 96, passed away early Wednesday morning, April 24, 2024, in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born February 2, 1928, to Nicholas and Bessie (Morsink) Buining in Grand Rapids and lived most of her life in Muskegon, MI. She had worked for Muskegon Community College for over 20 years before retiring. Eleanor had been a longtime member of Evanston Avenue Baptist Church where she directed the choir, played the piano, sang in church services, and led the children’s music program. She was also active in Bible Study Fellowship. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. On May 4, 1951, Eleanor married Harold W. VanderMey, and he preceded her in death on March 31, 2009. Survivors include six children, Sydney (formerly Esther) Morris, Christina (Pat) Kearney, Paul VanderMey, Steve (Ruth) VanderMey, Mary (Michael) Hunt, Tom (Dawn) VanderMey; her son-in-law John (Wendy) Patton, many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughter Ruth Patton, her brother Rev. Rodger Buining, and her sister Virginia Norton. A memorial gathering and celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held at a later date. Contributions in memory of Mrs. VanderMey may be made to Evanston Ave. Bapt Church in Muskegon or Trinity Baptist Church in Grand Rapids. Arrangements have been entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442.
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