Sherri Schuitema-VanderWier's Obituary
Sherri Marie VanderWier (Schuitema), age 61, of Norton Shores, passed away peacefully following a short illness on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Born on July 15, 1963, to parents Sherwood and Jacquelyn (Brown) Schuitema, she will be remembered for her fiery red hair with a personality to match!
Sherri was a wonderful and supportive wife, mother, and grandmother. With a zeal for life and a loving spirit, she became a friend and inspiration to so many. She was known for her infectious laughter and sense of humor, her take-charge attitude, entrepreneurial spirit, fun-loving personality, and willingness to help anybody at any time. She will also be fondly remembered for her extensive shoe collection!
A proud Crusader, Sherri graduated from Muskegon Catholic Central in 1981. As a volunteer, she became Vice President of the Muskegon Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce where her absence will be felt deeply.
Sherri experienced much heartbreak in her life, but found her soul mate in 2006, Jim VanderWier. On June 27, 2009, Sherri and Jim were married in a beautiful backyard ceremony at their North Muskegon home. Together they built a wonderful life filled with so much love. Although Sherri and Jim worked hard as a team, they always found time to open their home to entertain friends, work associates, and family.
Sherri is survived by Jim, as well as her two daughters, Morgan (Morse) Michael of Norton Shores, Danielle Medacco of Norton Shores, two bonus daughters, Erin VanderWier (Eric) of North Muskegon and Laura (Ryan) Wiles of North Muskegon. She was also blessed with many grandchildren: Emilee, Ryan, Ricky (Maria), Jackson, Amyah, Carter, Kennedy, Eleanor, Lincoln, Brooklynn, Charlie, & Henry as well as three great grandchildren: Jayce, Eli, and one great granddaughter on the way. Sherri is further survived by her sister and best friend, Lori (Mark) Kling, brothers: Steve (Sue) Schuitema, Kevin (Sharon) Schuitema, and Russ (Lori) Schuitema along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her mother and bonus father, Jacqueline and Roger Balkema, her father, Sherwood Schuitema, and her sister, Shelley Schuitema.
In honor of Sherri’s legacy, memorial contributions can be made to the Muskegon Women’s Division Chamber of Commerce (P. O. Box 1665, Muskegon, MI 49443) or Life Align, Inc (2508 Glade Street, Muskegon, MI 49444).
A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 3:00pm to 6:00pm and Sunday, March 30, 2025, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. A Memorial Service will follow the Sunday visitation starting at 4:00 PM.
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