Mary A. Buitendorp's Obituary
Mary Ann (Wildeboer) Buitendorp, 83, passed away on August 4, 2025. Mary was born on September 7, 1941, in Muskegon, Michigan, and resided in Grand Haven, Michigan.
The oldest of the Wildeboer children, she attended Muskegon Christian and obtained her B.A. from Calvin College. She married Gordon Buitendorp on November 29, 1963, and taught at Grand Haven Christian School. Mary stayed at home with their three sons until they were through elementary school. Thereafter, she then returned to Grand Haven Christian as its librarian, having earned her master’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Library and Information Science.
Mary’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, adventure, and selfless service. She cherished her grandchildren deeply and found immense joy in nurturing a love for reading in children. Her passion for education and care for others extended far beyond the classroom. Whether she was volunteering with children and refugee families in West Michigan or knitting handmade gifts with love, Mary’s generous heart left a lasting impact on all who knew her.
An avid lover of the outdoors, Mary found joy and renewal in movement — exercising daily, skiing down snowy slopes, , and bicycling across the countryside of Europe. Summers on West Lake were especially dear to her, where family, nature, and tranquility came together in the place she loved most. Her garden bloomed under her care, much like the lives she touched. She also had a lifelong love of music, particularly singing with the Evergreen Chorale and the Second CRC Choir (Grand Haven), where her voice lifted the spirits of many.
One of Mary’s favorite Bible verses was Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” She lived out this calling with quiet grace — serving others with compassion, humility, and deep faith.
She is survived by her husband, Gordon; her sons, Michael (Lori) Buitendorp, Ross (Rita) Buitendorp, and Seth (Rebecca) Buitendorp; her twin sister, Marcia (Vern) Patterson; her brothers, Stan (Judy) Wildeboer and John (Jean) Wildeboer; her grandchildren, Madeline Buitendorp, Hugh Buitendorp, Estelle Buitendorp, Amanda (Chad) Konyndyk, Andrew Bielecki, and Kaylee (Lodrick) Williams; and several great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated team at the Poppen House (Harbor Hospice) for their extraordinary and tender care during Mary’s final days. They are also deeply thankful to the many friends, family members, and beloved members of the Second CRC Choir who visited, prayed, and sang with her — surrounding her with love, comfort, and peace in her final chapter.
VISITATION will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI, 49444. The FUNERAL will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Second Christian Reformed Church, 2021 Sheldon Rd., Grand Haven, MI 49417. Visitation will also be held at the church an hour prior to the service on Saturday. For those not able to attend the service, you can watch the livestream here: Mary Buitendorp Funeral Livestream
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Leila & Cyrus Poppen Hospice Residence through Harbor Hospice.
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