Miriam G. Secker's Obituary
Miriam G. Secker, age 98, of Holland, formerly of Grand Haven, passed away Saturday, January 7, 2012, in Holland. She was born July 26, 1913, in Seattle, WA, to Hugh and Mary (Lingenfelter) Thompson. She married Frank H. Gilbert on December 21, 1935. He preceded her in death in October of 1952. She married Charles M. Secker on April 2, 1955. He preceded her in death in 1975.
Miriam was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Grand Haven where she had served both as an elder and a deacon. She was employed as a teacher at Peach Plains School in Grand Haven for many years. Miriam loved classical music, playing bridge, needlework, walking, reading, crossword puzzles, and traveling. She was also known as a “tree hugger.” She was a member of the Historical Society and the Tuesday Musicale of Grand Haven. Above all, Miriam loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
She will be forever loved and missed by her daughter, Dianne Ehrhard of Manhattan Beach, CA; two sons, Tom (Kathy) Gilbert of Waukesha, WI, and Larry Gilbert of Muskegon; ten grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and a sister, Jean Colaluca of California. She was preceded in death by a son, Frank “Clint” Gilbert; a son-in-law, David Ehrhard; and a brother, Victor Thompson.
A Memorial Service for Miriam will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday, January 19, 2012, at VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home in Grand Haven with Rev. Dr. Thomas Cook presiding. Interment will be in River View Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Miriam may be given to Hospice of Holland. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
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