Marjorie L. "Marge" Beaver's Obituary
Marjorie “Marge” L. (Florman) Beaver, age 89, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Sunday, July 28, 2024. Marge was a trailblazer who combined twin passions for flying and taking pictures into an aerial photography business that touched numerous lives in the area. She was born March 19, 1935, in Onekama, MI to Lewis and Margaret (Avery) Florman. On September 5, 1953, she married William H. Beaver who preceded her in death on November 12, 2012, after 59 years of marriage.
Marge continued to fly her beloved Cessna Cardinal well into her 80s and she operated her business, Photography-Plus, for over 40 years. Her specialty was capturing the beauty of Western Michigan, and some of her favorite photos are collected in three books she authored. Marge’s trailblazing spirit continued to guide her even after she decided to leave the flying to others. With the help of her dear friends and neighbors Joe, Kay and Charlie Janecke, she was able to live independently in the lifelong home she and her husband Bill bought in Norton Shores in 1959.
When she wasn’t consumed with raising 5 children and running her business Marge enjoyed bowling with her husband and friends and raising tropical fish. She also had a passion for gardening and growing beautiful orchids in her greenhouse. More recently she could often be seen riding her e-trike in the neighborhood. She cared deeply about the environment and was a strong advocate of organic and sustainable farming practices. Those who knew her best describe her as compassionate, thoughtful and extremely generous.
Marge and William had five children: William (Julie) Beaver Jr., Bonnie McKenna (deceased), Michael (Susan) Beaver, Sheila Beaver (deceased), and John (Amanda) Beaver. Her grandchildren are William Jr’s sons, Jack and Tom; Bonnie’s children, Karla and Shaun; Mike and Sue’s children, Matthew, Emily, and Tom; John and Amanda’s children, Aaron, Kaitlyn, Hannah, and Ava. She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren and her closest friend, Mary Ellen Johnston. Marge was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, William; two daughters: Bonnie McKenna and Sheila Beaver; and her brother and sister-in-law, George (Yupa) Florman.
A celebration of Marge’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on September 30, 2024, at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. MEMORIALS to The Nature Conservancy will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com
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