Pauline Pravda's Obituary
Pauline Pravda, of Spring Lake passed away Friday, March 30, 2018, at Heartwood Lodge Hospice Residence. She was 94 years old. Pauline was born in Grand Haven to Sidney and Clara Farrer. She was the fourth child born to the Farrer’s, and the first born in the U.S. The three oldest children immigrated from Leeds, England with their parents and settled in Canada for a short time. The family then moved to the United States. Pauline spent her early years on a farm in Spring Lake Township.
Pauline married George Pravda in Louisiana on December 3, 1941. He was in Louisiana for training in preparation for the war (that all knew was coming), with F Company of the Michigan National Guard. George was one of the “Ghost Mountain Boys” as chronicled in the book of the same name by James Campbell. She waited four years in the United States for his return.
Pauline loved baking. Her children remember fondly of her baking bread, cookies, and pies every Saturday. She was also active in the choir, nursery, and Pioneer Girls at First Baptist Church of Spring Lake. Shopping was her greatest joy, always looking for a bargain.
Pauline is survived by her three sons: George (Ruth Bareman) Pravda of Holland, Kurt (Cindy) Pravda of Grand Haven, Drew (Marcy) Pravda of Whitehall; her daughter, Lisa Holman of Ferrysburg; grandchildren, Brandon Holman, John and Stacy Hall, and Ryan and Ashley Bultema; great-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Brecken Hall; one great-great-grandchild, Talon Bultema; and two sisters, Betty Gleason and Lois Coston both of Spring Lake. She was preceded in death by her husband George Pravda; son-in-law, Kent Holman; grandson, Ben Holman; her parents, Sidney and Clara (Sharp) Farrer; and her siblings, Mary Zimmerman, Edna Bisacky, Jack Farrer, Joan Ruiter, and Jeanne Farrer.
A funeral service for Pauline will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2018, at First Baptist Church at 118 E. Exchange St., Spring Lake with Rev. Doug Bytwerk officiating. Friends may meet the family 5-8 p.m. on Monday, April 2, at Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services – The Spring Lake Chapel, and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment will be in Spring Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers Pauline requested donations (in her name) be given to First Baptist Church in Spring Lake or Hospice of North Ottawa Community. Share memories with the family at their online guest book at www.sytsemafh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Pauline?
What’s a lesson you learned from Pauline?
Share a story where Pauline's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Pauline you’ll never forget.
How did Pauline make you smile?
