Josephine B. DeBard's Obituary
Mrs. Josephine “Jody” B. DeBard, age 101, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2010. She was born January 12, 1909 in Remus, MI to Louis & Rosena (Simon) Bott; and has resided in the Muskegon area since 1942. . On November 21, 1931, in Remus, she married Harry DeBard and he preceded her in death on December 21, 1972. Despite being afflicted with polio at age 3, she lived a determined life of accomplishment. As a young girl she excelled in her studies and was a graduate of Ferris Institute. She raised four children and was a fine seamstress. She worked for Sealed Power, the Daniels Company and was Deputy Finance Director for the City of Norton Shores. Her greatest passion in life was playing bridge, which she played up until the last week of her life. She is survived by two daughters, Janet (Victor) Bouckaert and Nancy Butterfield, one son, James (Sherry)DeBard, 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. She was also preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters, her daughter, Harriet “Terri” Aker and grandson, Kirk Bouckaert. The FUNERAL LITURGY for Josephine will be celebrated 11 AM Saturday at Marian Chapel of St. Francis deSales Church with Rev. Norman Droski presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION with Josephine’s family will be one-hour prior to the Mass. For a more lasting memorial, you are asked to consider Hospice of Michigan. Arrangements by The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441 (231-759-8565).
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