F. Elaine "Gigi" VanderWier's Obituary
Mrs. F. Elaine VanderWier, age 95, passed away Monday, October 19, 2015. She was born November 22, 1919 in Muskegon to Samuel Roy and Charlotte Jane (Kelley) Williams; and has resided most of her life in the Muskegon area. Elaine was a graduate of Muskegon High School, where she was voted most athletic of the 1938 class. Prior to her retirement, Elaine worked at Damm Hardware and then Hunter-Hughes. She was a member of Community United Methodist Church of North Muskegon and its 39’s and Martha Cir. Elaine also belonged to the Red Hatters, the Melodears, the Cardinal Cloggers, and she was an avid Scrabble player. Elaine was a former member of Unity Reformed Church. On August 26, 1939 she married Gerald “Jerry” G. VanderWier; and he preceded her in death on April 24, 1982. She was also preceded in death by 2 sons, Russell in 2011 and Gerald “Mike” in 1995; and by her brother, Bernard Williams. SURVIVORS include her daughter, Patricia (Thomas) Baker of Muskegon; her son, James (Sherri) VanderWier of Muskegon; 2 daughters-in-law, Patricia (Don) Girvan of Jacksonville, FL and Linda Stewart of North Muskegon; 16 grandchildren, Jerry & Terri VanderWier, David & Donna VanderWier, James & Jennifer VanderWier, Russell “Chip” & Colleen VanderWier, Beth and Scott Shaffer, Katie and Dave Baker, Frank & Lisa Cobb, Cathie & Chris Wigent, Christine & Michael Clover, Colleen & Dan Hoffer, Laura & Ryan Wiles, Erin & Matt Dabrowski, Suzanne (Scott) Remling, Laura & Jeff Nielsen, Morgan Barron, Danielle & Rick Medacco; 29 great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. MEMORIAL SERVICES will be held 1PM Friday, October 23 at Community United Methodist Church (1614 Ruddiman Dr. North Muskegon 49445) with Pastor Phil Friedrick officiating. Interment will be in Restlawn Cemetery. VISITATION with Elaine’s family will be 1 hour prior to the service at Church, from 12-1PM. For a more lasting Memorial, you are asked to consider Community UMC. You are also invited to sign the family’s Online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com. Arrangements by The Lee Chapel, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231-798-1100).
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