Mary Alice North's Obituary
Mrs. Mary Alice North, age 89, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, January 11, 2025. She was born in Grand Haven on November 17, 1935 to Ferdinand and Tena (Jurries) Kinkema. Mary, a city girl, crossed paths with George "Corky" North, a country boy, and here is where it all began. On October 9, 1957, they exchanged vows and embarked on a joyous 66-year marriage, until Corky's passing in September 2024. Mary and George shared a lifetime together, raising their family in the same home on Boom Road overlooking the Grand River. They were devout Christians, attending Spring Lake Christian Reformed Church and later rejoining Mary's childhood church, Second Christian Reformed Church of Grand Haven, where they were active with the Friendship Club. For over 30 years, Mary and George volunteered at North Ottawa Community Hospital. Mary started her career as a teller at Peoples Bank and Trust before joining the family business, Northern Electric and Inspection Company, where she kept the books. She also managed the books for Bill's Sport Shop, where she admired Bill Sanders' prized 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. After years of admiring the car, Mary became its proud owner, caring for it as diligently as Bill had. Mary and George cherished their drives together, with Mary often beeping her horn to announce her arrival. Mary was a loving, devoted wife and mother who wasn't afraid to remind her family that she was still the boss. Her deep love for her family was matched only by her strong faith and commitment to service in the community. She enjoyed family camping trips with friends to Kibby Creek in Ludington and enjoyed raising horses when she was younger. Mary will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Beth Ann North and Karen Kay (Wayne) Daugherty; grandchildren, Jenna, Jonathon, and Darren; step-grandchildren, Josh and Jasmine; step-great-grandchildren, Theodora and Michelle; her brother, Clyde (Jeanne) Kinkema; dear friends, the Wilkinson and Wierenga families; and all their loving neighbors. A PRIVATE GRAVESIDE service will take place at Spring Lake Cemetery. A JOINT CELEBRATION OF MARY AND CORKY’S LIFE will be announced later this spring. Arrangements by The Spring Lake Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 213 E. Savidge St., Spring Lake, MI 49456. Mary’s family wishes to express special thanks to the caring staff at Trinity Health at Home of Grand Haven. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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