Mary Helene Bicknell's Obituary
Mary Helene Bicknell, age 87, passed away unexpectedly on September 13, 2023, in West Olive, MI. She was born November 20, 1935, in Grand Rapids, MI, to Edwin and Frieda (Van Wesep) Monsma. She graduated from Grand Rapids Christian in 1953 and then went on to Calvin University to receive a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1973 and Master’s Degree with an emphasis on teaching reading from Western Michigan University in 1978. She taught in the Grand Rapids Public School system for over twenty years, including several years as an elementary school teacher. She then went on to a rewarding career teaching English as a Second Language, primarily to adults, which she continued doing for the Holland Public School system after moving to her home on Lake Michigan. On March 26, 1994, she married Ralph Bicknell and he preceded her in death on August 16, 2022.
Mary loved living on Lake Michigan, where she could take walks on the beach and watch the evening sunsets. She liked spending time in her garden and always had flowers on display. She also enjoyed doing crossword and jigsaw puzzles. She was an avid reader and was a member of a local book club for over 50 years with the same group of friends. She was also involved in a bible study group at First Presbyterian Church. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and will be deeply missed.
Mary is survived by her children, Douglas (Abigail Livingood) Van Dam, David (Irma) Van Dam, Barbara (David) Sauter and Martin Van Dam; stepchildren, Scott Bicknell and Laura (Tony) Meadors; 6 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; brothers, James (Jan) Monsma, Edwin Monsma and Charles (Norma) Monsma; and son-in-law, Gregg Ehlers. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Anita Ehlers; and sister-in-law, Barb Monsma.
A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be 11 AM on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Haven, MI (508 Franklin Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) with Rev. Kristine Aragon Bruce officiating. BURIAL will take place at the Lake Forest Cemetery in Grand Haven, MI. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to First Presbyterian Church.
The VanZantwick Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services (620 Washington Ave., Grand Haven, MI 49417) is honored to be serving the Bicknell/Van Dam family. To share special memories with the family, please visit http://www.sytsemafh.com.
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