Gretchen Ruth MacDonald's Obituary
Gretchen Ruth MacDonald, age 81, of Grand Haven passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at Medi Lodge at the Shore. She was born December 3, 1938, in Detroit to Edwin C. and Bernice W. (MacKenzie) Arnold, and married Allan Walsh MacDonald in Detroit on Christmas Day 1963. Allan preceded her in death on June 6, 1985.
Gretchen graduated from the prestigious Cass Technical High School in 1957, with a degree in commercial art, emphasizing fashion design. Following graduation, she worked at the Farm House Restaurant, and later moved to the Grand Haven area. Gretchen loved art and was a budding artist who was able to freehand sketch. Her other interests were singing, watching the Detroit Tigers, and going to the cottage in Gratiot Lake in the U.P. Above all else she was a devoted Christian who was always smiling. She had an infectious smile, along with her great sense of humor. She loved spending time with her family.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Jean (Bryan Smith) MacDonald; son, James (Yayoi) MacDonald; six grandchildren: Charlie (Kristin) MacDonald, Zachary (Cely) MacDonald, Shianna MacDonald, Kai MacDonald, James Schultz and Christina (Jeremy Scharphorn) Schultz; six great-grandchildren: Khaleesi, Elizabeth, Amelia, Kadyn, Ethan, and Emerson; brother-in-law, Harvey Ferrero; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, Carol Ferrero.
Due to the Covid-19 virus outbreak concerning social distancing, private family services will be held for Gretchen. If you would like to honor Gretchen’s memory, enjoy an ice cold Diet Coke, as this was her favorite drink. Services entrusted to The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 620 Washington Ave, Grand Haven, MI 49417. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
To view Gretchen's Funeral Video: https://youtu.be/ZqMxOSNL3ls
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