Florence Van Dam

When reflecting on the life of Florence Van Dam, there are three common threads that appear throughout her life’s tapestry: faith, family, and love. She possessed a quiet, personal faith that brought her both the strength and comfort she needed through the peaks and valleys of her journey. Known as Nana to her grandchildren, Florence delighted in the family she created with her true companion and was happiest when she was surrounded by their laughter and their love. A woman of great strength, Florence leaves behind precious memories that have become priceless treasures to those she leaves behind.

America during the year 1928 was full of new experiences and opportunities fueled by innovation and discoveries in countless facets of everyday life. It was during this year that Walt Disney introduced the world to Mickey Mouse, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic, and the first motion picture was viewed in color. This was a year for great celebration in the family of Andrew and Jennie (Zwak) Brummel as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Florence, on September 25th. Florence was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the second of four children in her family including older sister Bernice and younger siblings Shirley and Andrew “Bud.” Her father owned a gas station on Remembrance Road while her mother stayed home. Tragedy struck early in Florence’s life when her mother unexpectedly died as a result of an accident involving a car and a train when Florence was in high school. Her brother Bud was also injured in the crash. Florence attended local schools and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School in 1946.

It was as a high school student that Florence’s life took a fateful and exciting turn. There was a young man who lived near her home named Melvin Van Dam, and they began dating. Although their relationship was blossoming, they were separated for a time when Melvin served in the Navy while Florence finished school.

After graduating from high school, Florence was ready for what life had in store next. She began working as a bookkeeper in downtown Grand Rapids for Trust Company. Her work later brought her to Betz Foundry and Courtesy Dodge where she also worked as a bookkeeper.

While she was busy establishing her career, Florence was overjoyed to be reunited with her sweetheart once he returned from the service. Their relationship continued to grow, and they were united in marriage on June 10, 1948. After enjoying a honeymoon at Niagara Falls, the couple settled into their new lives as husband and wife. Mel worked as a bread man at Roskam Bakery while Florence continued working as a bookkeeper. The couple was thrilled with the birth of their son, Russ, in 1956 who was followed by their daughter, Mary Jo in 1959. Florence ran a tight ship at home, tending to the needs of their family while also holding down a full-time job in order to supplement their family income during the years in which Mel was establishing his business, Triangle Distributing. He was gone quite a bit, which left Florence to single-handedly keep things running on the home front.

The Van Dam family enjoyed spending time together in a variety of ways. Some of their most fun-filled times were spent at the cabin they purchased in 1958 on Little Manistee River north of Baldwin. They went there every weekend where they enjoyed swimming, fishing, riding in the dump truck, and just spending time together. During the mid-sixties, they tore down the existing cabin and built a new place for their family to spend time at. As a family they also took vacations to Florida during Christmas break for many years. One of Florence’s favorite things to do for her family was to cook for them. She was a magnificent cook whose desserts were her real specialty. Florence regularly made anything with chocolate, brownies, and cookies, and she often had snacks and appetizers ready for her family.

When she found some leisure time, Florence busied herself with other interests. Sundays were always a day for worship, and Florence was a longtime member of Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church, now known as Westend Christian Reformed Church. There, Florence was a leader of Joy Girls. She liked eating out whenever possible, and she also enjoyed working in her garden and talking politics. Florence loved listening to gospel music, especially Bill Gaither, and she could often be found buried between the pages of a suspenseful, crime-fighting mystery. When it came to television, Florence was a huge fan of the show 24.

Although Melvin never officially retired, he took time off when he could. Later in life Florence and Mel spent a few months each winter in Marco Island, Florida. They purchased a condo there and loved spending time with many of their friends from west Michigan. Florence and Mel also enjoyed going to flea markets and Tin City in Naples. She was very close with her daughter and her family, even taking vacations with them from time to time.

Florence Van Dam was a remarkable woman with an abiding faith and an enduring strength. She enjoyed many things throughout her life, but her greatest delight was spending time with her grandchildren. Florence made the most of the days she was given while bringing light and life to the world around her. She leaves behind lessons in perseverance, compassion for others, and unconditional love that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow her. Florence will be dearly missed and warmly remembered.

Florence W. Van Dam died on May 31, 2010. Florence is survived by her children, Russell (Christine) Van Dam and Mary Jo (Todd) Nanninga; grandchildren, Steven Van Dam, James Van Dam, Alex Van Dam, Lisa Nanninga, and Benjamin Nanninga; and great-grandson, Austin Van Dam. Also surviving are her sister, Shirley & Ralph (Terhorst) Walthuis; sisters-in-law, Fran Bykerk and Lucille (John) Huisman; and brother-in-law, Ray (Judy) Van Dam; and several nieces and nephews. Florence was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin; brother, Andrew “Bud” Brummel Jr. and sister, Bernice Doornewerd. The Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave NW. Friends may visit with the family from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Friday at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to West Side Christian School Foundation or Faith Hospice.