Lucia C. Christman's Obituary
Lucia C. Christman, age 79, of Holland (formerly of Spring Lake) passed away Saturday, December 13, 2008, at Hospice House of Holland after a short illness. She was born December 10, 1929, in Norwalk, CT, to George Henry and Mary Rice (Beatty) Crane.
After graduating from Cranbrook Kingswood in 1947, Lucia earned her BA degree in History from Kalamazoo College in 1951. She married Normand J. Christman on August 22, 1953 in Pontiac, MI. Normand and Lucia made their home in Spring Lake, where they were involved with the family business, Christman Lumber, which later became Industrial Lumber & Packaging. Normand preceded her in death on March 29, 1994. For the past 2 years she has resided at Freedom Village in Holland.
Lucia was a devoted volunteer at many organizations. She served for over 20 years at Hospice of North Ottawa, assisted in a variety of roles at North Ottawa Community Hospital, and delivered for Meals on Wheels. In addition, she used her love for sewing and needlework to knit hats for newborn children, prayer shawls for the needy, and complete needlepoint restoration at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Most recently, she tutored a 3rd grade student in the Adopted Grandparents program in Holland. She also loved reading and playing bridge. Lucia was a former member of Spring Lake Yacht Club, Spring Lake Country Club, Spring Lake Presbyterian Church (former elder, deacon and committee member and volunteer) and assistant in the office at Spring Lake Township.
Survivors include her 2 daughters: Sarah Christman (William) Frame of Northbrook, IL, and Mary Christman Ryan of Woodbridge, VA; a son, Normand John Christman, Jr. of Chicago, IL; 4 grandchildren: Abigail Elisabeth, Alexander Jeffers, Jennifer Ann, Kelly Elisabeth; a sister, Molly (Charles) Peckham of Norwalk, OH; and several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Lucia will be held Monday, December 22, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church with Rev. John Laycock officiating. Private interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Hospice House of Holland are appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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