Mary Offringa's Obituary
Mary Offringa, a long-time resident of the Spring Lake area, died on Saturday the 26th of September with her 2 daughters at her bedside.
Born Mary Elizabeth Mastenbrook on 1 December 1923 in Grand Rapids, Mary married Reno Offringa, the love of her life, on a Naval Airforce base in October of 1944. The couple celebrated 67 years of marriage just before his death in 2011.
Mary gave her unconditional love to her 2 daughters, Sue (Tim) Fuller and Lindy (Bill) Munn. And she was endlessly proud of her 5 grandchildren, Rob Fuller, Christian (Kate) Fuller, Wendy (Tom) Alterman, Melissa (Andrew) Pillman, and Libby (Casey) Cortez.
She also cherished every opportunity to spend time with the great-grandchildren who thrilled her heart: Eloise, T.J., William, and Lillian Alterman; Sophie, May, Tessa, and Luke Fuller; Deven Barnes; Gigi and Audrey Pillman; and Will, Lexi, and Grant Cortez.
Mary loved people and was gracious and giving to the many friends she welcomed into her life and home. She also took such pleasure in connecting with the dear friends of her daughters in a loving and caring way.
In particular, she had cherished friends at Lloyds Bayou, where she and Reno moved when they returned to Spring Lake 7 years ago, after many happy years living in Marco Island, Florida. When in Spring Lake, she would gladly support her great-granddaughters’ activities, cheering on their performances and soccer, basketball, volleyball, and baseball games in any weather.
Mary also loved summering in Bellaire, Michigan, where she could spend time at her children’s lake house and enjoy the comings and goings of her ever-expanding family.
The family will have a celebration of her life in BelIaire. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grand Haven Presbyterian Church, where Mary was glad to return as a member after moving back to the area, or to Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Please sign the family’s online guestbook at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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