Martha Rozema

Those who lived through WWII will remember the early 1940s as tumultuous years for the United States and the rest of the world. Many brave servicemen were called to serve away from home, and those who remained stateside were left to face strict rationing and cling to their radios for news. During this dark time, however, there was a ray of light on the horizon for Richard and Henrietta (Worst) Rozema of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they anticipated the arrival of their first child. On October 18, 1943, their daughter, Martha Anne, was born and welcomed into the Rozema family by her overjoyed parents.

Growing up, Martha enjoyed a typical childhood for her generation. She was raised in the family home built by her father and uncle on Emerald Avenue NE. Martha became an older sister to her younger siblings, John and Jan. Her childhood dogs, Peppy and Snookie, were the first beloved pets of many. Martha would often take Peppy for walks in the field behind her house, and it soon became a favorite place for her to enjoy nature and be with her thoughts. At a young age, she discovered a love for horses. Martha was an avid reader, and she also liked playing around with her mother’s guitar. The Rozemas often enjoyed tent camping as a family at Gun Lake.

Throughout her childhood, Martha and her family were active members of Creston Christian Reformed Church, where the foundation of her faith was built. They went to services on Sundays, and she also went to catechism and was involved in the youth group. Martha attended local schools, including Creston Christian Elementary School and Grand Rapids Christian High School. Following her graduation from high school, she began working at Eerdmans Publishing Co. For the bulk of her career, Martha worked as a spindle carver at John Widdicomb Furniture Co. Later, at Behr Manufacturing, she again used her artistic skills.

Martha first moved out of the family home with her sister, Jan. The two settled into an apartment, then spent a year house sitting for acquaintances before buying a home together on Grand River Court. Martha would go on to spend many wonderful years in that home. She had enough room to board and breed her own horses, owning and cherishing seven of them over the years. Martha loved walking and taking in the beauty of nature around her, as she had done since she was a girl. Later, she moved to the Northview area to be closer to Jan and her family. As her health declined, she became a resident at Boulder Creek Assisted Living where she was cared for` by a loving staff. Through all these transitions, she valued her privacy and independence.

Martha considered herself blessed to have her family. She remained close to her siblings. Martha enjoyed Sunday meals with her sister, Jan and her family. She appreciated taking road trips with her brother, John and his family. They traveled to California and to Canada, relishing time out in nature. Holidays were always spent with family, and Martha supplied the pies. She looked forward to the regular Worst family reunions. She always felt comfortable leaving social gatherings once she’d had her fill of people.

Martha’s faith began when she was young. Though she struggled and questioned at times, in midlife she came to know God as real and personal to her. Martha became much more confident in speaking out about her faith, and she considered it her greatest blessing to be able to use her God-given artistic talent. She got involved in choirs and small groups at various churches.

Martha spent many hours meditating, searching scripture and journalling. When she was interested in something, she dove headfirst into learning everything she could about the subject. She read widely and enjoyed fiction as well as books about animals and nature. Martha could identify birds and animals with ease. She excelled at wood carving and gifted several horse carvings to family members. Martha also loved painting in various mediums.

To know Martha Rozema was to love and admire her. She was an example of quiet strength, and she spoke often about her steadfast and persevering faith. Martha was a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt. Life will be different without Martha here, but she leaves behind a beautiful mosaic of memories for her loved ones to have and hold.

Martha Anne Rozema, age 81 of Grand Rapids, passed away February 7, 2025. Martha was preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Henrietta Rozema; and by her niece, Brenda Rozema.

Martha is survived by her brother, John (Linda) Rozema; sister, Jan (Al) Visscher, nieces and nephews Lisa (Scott) Neumann, Mark Rozema, Dan (Jenn) Visscher, Kevin (Rachel) Visscher; as well as several grand nieces and nephews.

The service to remember Martha will be held on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at 2 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van Strien Creston Chapel. Friends are invited to visit Martha’s family beginning at 1 PM. To read more about Martha, to share a memory or photo, or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com