Sheri Vree

Sheri Anne Vree was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. A lover of people, she lived her life selflessly—filling every spare moment with something meaningful: exercising her creative gifts, helping her community, building a career of compassion and care, or caring for family. Her warm, personable spirit will be deeply missed by her friends and loved ones.

Early Life

In the midst of the baby boom decade, Richard and Mildred (Quillin) Bechtold welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Sharon Anne, into their loving arms on December 13, 1950, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Sandwiched between two older sisters and a younger brother, Sheri brought joy and light into the family home.

Growing up on the west side of Grand Rapids, Sheri enjoyed swimming at Greenridge Country Club, ice skating in the winter, and playing piano—an early sign of her natural musical talent. Many summers were spent in Grand Haven at her grandparents’ cottage, where she forged friendships and once even formed a “band” with friends, using pots and pans as instruments. At home, chores were part of life, but her mother made them fun. These early lessons shaped Sheri into a skilled cook, a gracious hostess, and someone who took pride in keeping things beautiful and organized.

The family lived for many years on Garfield Ave., across from Lincoln Park, before moving up the hill to Fruit Ridge Ave. during Sheri’s teenage years. Faith was always central in her life, beginning school at St. James Catholic Church and continuing at West Catholic High School, where she was once on the homecoming court. Her personable nature and genuine kindness earned her many friends, which she would cherish for a lifetime.

Life as a Nurse

Like her older sister, Sheri began working as a teenager at Matthews Drug Store. After graduating from high school, she attended Grand Rapids Junior College, where she met Jay Vree in a geography class. She later completed her nursing degree at Hackley Hospital in Muskegon, becoming a registered nurse—a career she would embrace for decades.

Sheri and Jay married on August 24, 1973, at St. James Church. Early in their marriage, they lived in Mt. Pleasant while Jay continued his education, before settling in Jenison.

Sheri began her long career at St. Mary’s Hospital on the obstetrics floor, where she cared for new mothers and their babies. Her compassion, dedication, and skill made her a beloved figure among colleagues and patients alike. She later transitioned to Health Care Associates and played an integral role in the development and success of a new Medicare agency, Community Care Givers, serving as Director of Nursing Administration.

Sheri continued to work as a nurse into her 70s, finishing her career at VNA Home Health. Nursing was never just a job for Sheri, but a calling that allowed her to bring kindness, expertise, and the highest standard of care to the lives of those she served.

Family Life

While balancing the busy schedule of a nursing career, Sheri always put motherhood first. She had a gift for moving seamlessly from one role to another, making sure her children felt special and loved. Before work, she often prepared hot breakfasts for her children—cinnamon rolls, eggs and bacon, or French toast. After work, she never missed a school or sporting event, always cheering on her children with enthusiasm and pride.

Sheri's nurturing spirit extended to her nieces, nephews, and her children’s friends, hosting sleepovers, birthday and pool parties, or planning vacations filled with laughter and joy. She was the kind of mom who made everyone feel welcome, creating a home where everyone felt like family.

When she and Jay were blessed with grandchildren, she was deeply involved in their lives. She was very talkative and wanted to hear all the details of her grandchildren’s school and sports activities. She loved to treat them to special moments—a game of cards, arts and crafts, a shopping excursion—never missing a chance to connect with them. Whenever there was a sporting event, she made it a priority to be there, traveling all over West Michigan to cheer on each grandchild's accomplishments. She saw herself in each one of them, and they were her greatest joy.

Sheri also had a special bond with her sisters, Margo and Patty, her brother Jack, and many cousins. They shared countless memories, from family gatherings to vacations, always supporting each other through life’s ups and downs.

Passions and Community Work

In addition to family and career, Sheri’s life was filled with creativity and purpose. She loved gardening and would spend hours tending her flowers. Travel became a way to build even deeper bonds with her loved ones by adding new experiences and cherished memories. She enjoyed cruises, trips to Alaska, Florida, Maine, Mackinac Island, Gulf Shores, the Holy Land, and numerous trips across Europe. She planned each trip with care and documented them beautifully with her photos and videos.

Sheri was also an active member of her church, volunteering as a Eucharistic minister, teaching religious education, and providing nursing services to parishioners. With her sisters, Sheri attended various faith conferences to deepen her faith. In their later years, she and Jay volunteered for GLO Ministries, making over 100 sandwiches per week for the area's local homeless population. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she found joy in sharing it with others.

An excellent seamstress, she took up quilting later in life, traveling with friends and sisters-in-law to learn new techniques and create beautiful quilts. She also enjoyed crafting, card-making, and scrapbooking, sharing her creations with family and friends.

Later Years and Passing

In 2024, her beloved husband Jay became ill with bile-duct cancer, and Sheri devoted herself to caring for him, drawing on her lifetime of nursing experience to ensure he received the very best care.

After his passing, she leaned on her faith, her family, and her friends, finding comfort in faith-based groups and a book club where she made new friendships that lifted her spirits and helped her through difficult times.

While vacationing with family near Ludington, Sheri was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 8, 2025, following a serious auto accident. Her life was a testament to hard work, inner strength, and compassion. Her boundless energy, generosity, and ability to make others feel valued will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Survivors

Sheri is survived by her children and grandchildren: Steve & Stacey (Lillian, Coleman, Anderson), Ryan & Megan (Hayden, Liam, Norah), and Nick; sister, Margo (Paul) Heitzman; brother, Jack (Cindy) Bechtold; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Anke (Phillip) Pearson, Keith (Marcie) Vree, and Mary Vree; as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Jay; parents, Richard and Mildred Bechtold; sister, Patty (David) Boruta; and brother-in-law, Arie Vree.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 18 at 11 AM at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Jenison. Friends are invited to visit with Sheri’s family on Sunday, August 17 from 4-7 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive, where a time of sharing will begin at 7 PM. Friends may also visit Sheri’s family at church on Monday beginning at 10 AM.

Sheri was always quick to volunteer. In memory of her, please consider giving of your time to a cause you support, or financial gifts are suggested to GLO Ministry, Jenison Pink Out, or Starlight Ministries. To share a favorite memory or photo, or sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com