Ann De Leeuw

Ann De Leeuw was a loving and generous woman whose heart beat to serve others whether it was her family, those at church, or anyone in need. She was a woman with a vibrant faith that was not only her life’s compass, but also her greatest source of peace and joy. Material possessions did not matter to Ann at all rather her most cherished possessions were the family she was blessed to love and care for each and every day. In so many ways Ann was like a delicate flower, a rare beauty with both strength and grace. The extraordinary family she built with the love of her life is surely her greatest legacy.

The year 1934 was a difficult one in America. The Great Depression had gripped our nation for nearly five years as Franklin D. Roosevelt was serving his first term in office. It was also in this year that in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Titus and Alice (Lautenbach) Bouma were celebrating the birth of their daughter, Ann, on August 6th. Ann’s father owned Bouma Moving and Storage while her mother was a homemaker who cared for their home and active family. Ann was one of five children in her family and was raised in the family home on the southwest side of the city. The Bouma family was a close knit group who loved spending time together. Some great memories were made along the shores of Lake Michigan whether at Holland State Park or Grand Haven State Park. They loved hanging out at the beach, fishing, or roller skating downtown in both Holland and Grand Haven. Ann was rather bubbly and made friends easily during time spent at the beach or when their family stayed at Wolf Lake in Lake County, or at Loon Lake also in northern Michigan. Ann also had many friends at the schools she attended including Godfrey-Lee, West Side Christian, and Grand Rapids Christian High School. She also played the piano.

Even from her earliest days Ann was a fun-loving gal. She enjoyed going to the roller skating rink, driving the old pickup truck, and fishing. Ann often played softball in the neighborhood, played “playhouse” with the neighborhood girls, or went ice skating in the neighborhood. At times she was a bit more mischievous though and went out tipping outhouses with friends. There was also the time that Ann took the Model T for a spin and came back with the car on a wrecker after getting it stuck on some railroad tracks!

A new chapter in Ann’s life began when she was introduced to a young man through some mutual friends. His name was Ted De Leeuw and he worked in a local woodworking shop. It didn’t take long before the couple had fallen deeply in love and after dating for two years, they were married on October 16, 1952 by Rev. Leonard Greenway. The newlyweds set off for a honeymoon in Traverse City and ran into a snowstorm – in October! When they went to pay the bill upon their departure from their motel, they found that it was stamped “Paid in Full” after the owners found out they were honeymooners.

After returning to Grand Rapids the couple settled into an upstairs apartment on Sherman Street, but they later moved to a home on Richmond Street where they raised their family. Ann and Ted were blessed with four children altogether: Chuck in 1955, Julie in 1960, Kristi in 1965, and Jack in 1966. Ann was a God-fearing mother who was prayerful and protective but not overly protective, and she was strict but not restrictive. As a parent everything Ann did was always out of unconditional love for her children and her family came first at all times. Ann efficiently ran her household and was very good at keeping things organized. One of Ann’s favorite things to do for her family was to cook for them. Goulash, stew, meatloaf, pumpkin pie, and applesauce were among some of her specialties. Initially Ann and Ted were members of Richmond Reformed Church, but they later became members of West Leonard Christian Reformed Church.

Many of the most precious memories the De Leeuw family made together took place around the water. A great many summers were spent at Lake Leelanau and Grand Haven State Parks. They also enjoyed spending time together at their cottage on Brooks Lake in Newaygo County where they often spent the weekends. At times they often traveled farther from home to destinations such as Hilton Head Island, throughout Canada, and to many other states around the country.

When Ann had some leisure time, there were several interests that she enjoyed. She loved gardening, tending to her flowers and feeding the birds, as well as canning vegetables and fruits. Ann continued to play both the piano and organ, and she liked listening to gospel hymns. Her favorite books to read were the Bible and books authored by the Rev. Jacob Eppinga. Ann was also involved in her church having taught Sunday school for years as well as participating in women’s Bible studies. Later in life, Ann spent much of her time volunteering at Dégagé Ministries – something she found to be so fulfilling. When they went out to eat, Ann loved going to Red Lobster, perhaps because she loved shrimp so much, Pop’s Restaurant, or Brann’s. After Ted retired, they spent even more time at the family cottage, but also took various trips along the eastern seaboard as well as several trips within the southern United States.

Ann De Leeuw was a delightful woman who sparkled with the love she had in her heart for both her Lord and Savior and her family. She treasured her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren more than anything else and she had a special place in her heart for each one. Ann never forgot anyone’s birthday or anniversary, touching the hearts of others in such a warm way. Whether she was serving those in her family, others in her church or the down-trodden within her community, Ann was a woman of faith who did everything in service to her Lord. She will be dearly missed.

Ann M. De Leeuw died on Saturday, October 17, 2009. Ann’s family includes her husband Ted; her children, Chuck (Gail) De Leeuw, Julie (Clay) Wilson, Kristi (Dan) Sinke, Jack (Kellie) De Leeuw; grandchildren, Melanie (Mac) De Boer, Charlie De Leeuw, Beth (Brad) Anderson, Katie Wilson, Clay Wilson, Cody Sinke, Kylee Sinke, Kaycee Sinke, Deanna De Leeuw, Jacob De Leeuw; great-grandchildren, Joshua De Boer, Caleb De Boer, Luke De Boer, Lauren Anderson, and the 5th great-grandchild expected in May of 2010; her brother and sisters, Ralph (Fran) Bouma, Joan (Terry) Hurt, Kathy Bouma; brother-in-law, Terry Larsen; and several nieces and nephews. Ann was preceded in death by her sister Jean Larsen. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 21, at 2:00 p.m. at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church, 1053 West Leonard ST. NW. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, Alt and Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI on Monday from 7-9 p.m. and on Tuesday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to Dégagé Ministries or Faith Hospice.