Shirley Grassmidt

Shirley Grassmidt lived her life as a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and treasured friend to many. Shirley found great happiness in fulfilling the needs of others and lived a lifetime of sincere compassion for others. Her warm smile and her natural way of expressing kindness were her greatest gifts. She will be dearly missed by her many special friends and loved ones.

The year 1932 held many special marks in history. It was the year of the tragic kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh’s infant son, a winter so cold that Niagara Falls froze completely solid, and the opening of Radio City Music Hall in New York City. With the promise of a new election year, Jacobus and Rika (Bolthouse) Grassmidt were eager to welcome into their hearts and home their newborn baby girl, Shirley Ann, on December 13, 1932, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Joining her older siblings, Marion, Loraine, and Jim, her birth brought light into an era of hard times.

Shirley lived a typical childhood of the times. Her father, Jacobus, was a WWI veteran from the Netherlands. Her mother, Rika, was from Grand Haven and worked as a homemaker. Her dad worked hard to provide for the family as a carpenter and built their family home on Neland Avenue SE. As a family, they were raised with a strong Christian faith and attended Neland Avenue Christian Reformed Church. They spent many summers picnicking at Franklin Park and visiting maternal relatives. They always had a family garden to supplement the food on the table. Shirley attended Oakdale Christian School and graduated with the Class of 1952 from Grand Rapids Christian High School. Shirley was driven by her faith and wanted nothing more than to follow in the footsteps of Jesus. All in all, as a family, they savored many special moments together and always looked forward to sharing special trips and holidays together.

Shirley had some challenges but was very high functioning. Born with a sharp memory (her superpower), she could recall dates, history, names, and addresses off the top of her head. As a result, she took it upon herself to send birthday, get-well, and sympathy cards to members of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church. Shirley was a seventeen year volunteer folding bulletins for church services, yet the card ministry was her true gift. Family and friends came alongside her with finances to help purchase the stamps. In addition to her love of writing cards, Shirley enjoyed knitting dishcloths including setting up a "side hustle" with her older sister, Marion. Marion provided the hand-made crocheted scrubbies, and with Shirley's dishcloths, she had a nice little package to sell, which she did!

Her close friends, Lois Mulder, Dorothy Hofman, and Deanna DeVries were always there for her and enjoyed spending time with Shirley. Shirley enjoyed conversation and laughter yet was also content being at home with her mother at Village Green Apartments. Later they moved to the Morton House began attending LaGrave Ave CRC. She lived in Adult Foster Care homes for many years before ending up for a respite stay at Holland Home. In 2015, Holland Home turned into her permanent home.

Raybrook-Holland Home became more than just an assisted living place for Shirley. She made lasting connections with the residents and staff alike. They treasured her warm spirit and childlike innocence. She received the best care during her years there. During the global pandemic, she remained in good spirits and continued to pray for others and their healing. Committed to her faith and loved by many, she will surely be missed for her wonderful kindness and selfless acts of love. May Shirley’s close friends and loved ones cherish the special moments they shared together and may her memories be eternal.

Shirley A. Grassmidt, age 89, of Grand Rapids, MI went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 11, 2022. Shirley was born December 13, 1932, in Grand Rapids to the late Jacobus and Rika (Bolthouse) Grassmidt. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Marion (John) DeVries, Loraine (Henry) Apol, and James Grassmidt. Shirley was a longtime member of LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, where she faithfully served and was a friend to all. She is survived by her special niece, Mary (Bob) Crans; and nephews, Tom (Kristine) Apol, Doug Apol, and Dan DeVries; a niece and nephew in California; and many dear friends. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 17, 2022, at 11 AM at Raybrook Manor, 2121 Raybrook St SE where friends may visit beginning at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Rest Lawn Memorial Park. The family would like to express thanks to the fourth-floor nursing staff at Raybrook for their devoted and compassionate care for Shirley. Memorials may be made to Raybrook Benevolent Fund or LaGrave Avenue CRC Benevolent Fund. To leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.