Marilyn Vander Veen's Obituary
Mrs. Marilyn Vander Veen, age 89, of Spring Lake went to her Heavenly home on Thursday, November 10, 2022 surrounded by her family. She was born June 20, 1933, in Dowagiac, MI to Elmer and Mildred (Burney) Hodges. On June 19, 1954, she married Robert (Bob) C. Vander Veen, who preceded her in death on September 4, 1999.
Marilyn and Bob had many adventures over the years. They spent decades living in East Grand Rapids, before moving to Grand Haven and finally Spring Lake. After Bob’s retirement, they spent years building hospitals in Malawi, Kenya and India through the Medical Benevolence Foundation, where Marilyn served as a board member. When not in Michigan, Bob and Marilyn could be found in Key West enjoying a sunset on their deck in the Truman Annex.
Marilyn lived a wonderful life full of family, friends, and neighbors. She loved to socialize, whether entertaining at home or grabbing a bite out. She could often be found helping others -- feeding folks, running errands, or driving friends to appointments. In her free time, Marilyn was an avid gardener, played competitive golf and tennis, and loved staying active at iMove. Some of her memorable accomplishments include publishing the book “Living Without Smoking” in 1989 based on years of running stop-smoking clinics at Blodgett Hospital. In the early 1970’s she was actively involved in the Congressional campaigns of her brother-in-law, Dick Vander Veen. Marilyn was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven and formerly attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Grand Rapids. When in Key West, she was an active member (and handbell ringer) at Peace Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Family meant everything to Mimi, as she was known to her grandkids. She is survived by her daughter, Susan (Daniel) Brondyk of Grand Rapids; three grandchildren: Kyle Brondyk, Kate (Matt VanHarn) Brondyk and Grace (John Barnard) Brondyk, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Leona Townsend and Donna Patzer; and brother, Weldon Hodges.
A memorial service will take place at First Presbyterian Church Grand Haven on Friday, December 2 at 11:00 AM, followed by lunch at Spring Lake Country Club, where Marilyn was a member for years. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice of North Ottawa Community or First Presbyterian Church Grand Haven.
Interment will take place in the Westminster Presbyterian Church Columbarium. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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