Harriet Roberts

Harriet Roberts was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, who put her family's needs above her own. Though she was a quiet person, she easily befriended people with her warm smile and gentle ways. She was a friend to all who knew her. An example of kindness, strength and determination, Harriet lived out her life in faith and hope.

Harriet was born on June 2, 1920, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Ralph and Jennie (Helder) Vanden Berg. Her father supported the family through his work as a bookkeeper, and her mother was busy in the home that grew to include six children: Al, Dean, Harriet, twins Anne and Florence, and Lewis. With her mother occupied with the twins, Harriet was given the responsibility of taking care of her brother Lew, who was seven years younger than she. Often, Harriet could be seen pushing Lew in her doll buggy. Yet for all her dependability, Harriet couldn't help being a bit mischievous. She was able to run from her mother when she was being disciplined, and was known to climb the roof of the chicken coop to get away. This was easy for Harriet, who was rather small and quick, and lived her childhood as a "tom boy." At the same time, Harriet could sit for hours reading anything and everything, whether novels, history, or religion. She particularly loved to read the Bible and Christian novels that gave her insight to living out her faith every day.

Growing up, Harriet's life centered around church, school, recreation, and work in locations that are landmarks of Grand Rapids. The family first lived on Hall Street in East Grand Rapids before moving to Lafayette Street NE. They were members of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Harriet attended Grand Rapids Christian Schools through the 12th grade, graduating in 1938. She went on to graduate from Grand Rapids Junior College with an associate's degree in business. Her first job was working on East Fulton Street at Van's Pastry, which her uncle owned.

Harriet's life was changed one summer day at Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids, when she met the love of her life, Howard Roberts. Harriet enjoyed swimming and dancing at Ramona Park, and it was while at a summer picnic in the park that a mutual friend introduced her to Howard. Fun loving Harriet and dashing Howard dated for nine months before their marrage at her parents' home on Lafayette on March 13, 1942. It may have been Friday the 13th, but it was hardly an unlucky day for the newlyweds. Even though they were not able to go on a honeymoon because Howard had to work the following Monday, still the couple was off to a wonderful life of 61 years together.

For the first five years of their marriage, Harriet and Howard rented a home on Haisma Road, where they were blessed with the birth of their first child, Carol. Later, they bought a home at 307 St. Claire in Standale, where the joy of two more daughters, Joan and Barb, filled their home. As she had been raised, Harriet's daughters also grew up in the fellowship of faith. The family attended Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.

Both Howard and Harriet were very supportive of the girls in school. He was on the school board, and she served as president of the PTA. Harriet was also very involved with the Girl Scouts, serving as troop leader for several years.

Harriet was a wonderful seamstress, who could make anything and everything, from dresses and clothing to drapes and even furniture upholstery. If there was no pattern available, she made her own out of newspaper.

In 1966, Harriet and Howard moved to 2425 Powers NW, where they lived until their retirement. At that time, they relocated to live full-time at what had been their cottage in Irons, Michigan. Harriet and Howard loved their place up north, where they filled their days with family and friends. The coffee was always on at the Roberts home, where you could visit, play cribbage, or hop on a snowmobile. The whole family loved to ride, and Harriet drove her own sled until well into her 60's. Their home was filled with love and laughter.

Harriet loved being a grandma, and was drawn to babies like a magnet. The grandkids became the joy of her life, and she always looked forward to seeing them and spending time with them. Especially during the holidays, the family was delighted to be together, and Harriet's daughters pitched in to make the holidays festive and as easy as possible for their dear mother.

Even though they were completely settled in their northern home, Harriet and Howard also traveled together in their later years. They went across America in their motor home, and vacationed often with their friends. Their travels ended when Howard was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2003. It was a deep sadness to the family when Howard died on Christmas Day, 2003. Harriet was devastated by the loss of her beloved husband of 61 years. Her family and her faith helped to support and comfort her.

Following Howard's death, Harriet moved back to Grand Rapids to be closer to her family. She also made new friends when she moved into Lincoln Square Apartments on Lake Michigan Drive, NW. She greatly enjoyed her new friends, and the many activities available to them.

In mid-December, Harriet fell and broke her hip. For two weeks, she worked with determination to regain strength so she could return to Lincoln Square. Unfortunately, complications set in, and she was just too fragile to fight back. She kept her faith and her sparkle to her very last day. The night before she passed, Harriet's children and grandchildren gathered around her, and she greeted them with a big smile on her face. She made sure she gave a big kiss and whispered "I love you" to them all.

With her family by her side, Harriet went to be with her Lord Thursday morning at 7:30 AM at Spectrum Health Blodgett Hospital. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her, and those who loved her are comforted that she is with the Lord and her dear Howard.

ROBERTS (VandenBerg) Mrs. Harriet Roberts, aged 86, of Grand Rapids, passed away on January 4, 2006 in presence of her loving family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Howard Roberts. She is survived by her children: Carol and Charlie Sidnam, Joan and Tony Ellis, Barb and Steve Beurkens; 8 grandchildren: Greg Sidnam, Kathy Sidnam, Lisa (Zach) Eshbach, Mike (Jodi) Ellis, Doug (Janelle) Ellis, Ryan (Kristin) Ellis, Nick Beurkens, and Matt Beurkens, 4 great grandchildren: Mikayla, Katelyn, Jacob and Christian Eshbach; her brother, Lewis (Alice) VandenBerg; her sister Ann Crane; numerous nieces, nephews and friends, including many at Lincoln Square Apartments. Cremation has taken place. A service to celebrate Harriet's life will be held on Monday morning, January 8th, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Contributions in her memory may be made to Hospice of Michigan.