Arlene Berry

Arlene J. Berry was born a time when families were making a life for their children amid the hardships of the Depression and an impending war. In the midst of these challenging times, the Clifford and Fannie (Perry) Murphy family of Grand Rapids, Michigan welcomed the birth of their daughter, Arlene, on March 2, 1934. She experienced the joy of growing up with four brothers and one sister: David Bruce Van De Voorne, Marion, Robert, James, and Vern.

Arlene and her family lived in the area of Belmont, MI where she attended local elementary and High School. She later took night classes to complete her high school education.

She later met a young man named Al VandeVoren. The two dated for awhile, fell in love and were married while Al was still serving in the US Navy. The couple bought a home in Grand Rapids, on Lafayette NE where they began and raised their family. The couple were blessed with 6 wonderful children; Larry, Richard, Steven, Allen, Linda, and Barbara. Due to irreconcilable differences, several years later, Arlene and Al divorced.

Arlene had been active active in the VFW Creston Post Ladies Auxiliary and, later on, the West Side Complex Seniors Club. Arlene's life was made all the more full when grandchildren and great-grandchildren were born into the family. She cherished them all.

Later, Arlene met Gordon Berry whom she fell in love with and married on February 12, 1982. The two began a life together that lasted for 25 years.

Allene enjoyed collecting Beanie Babies and had quite a collection of them. She owned several rental properties which kept her busy.

She was a dedicated wife and mother and grandmother, who loved her family. Arlene died suddenly at her home early Friday morning. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her.

Mrs. Arlene J. Berry, aged 72 of Comstock Park, MI, passed away on January 19, 2007. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marion Schaap and her brother, David Bruce Van De Vooren. She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Gordon Berry; her children, Deacon Larry (Kathy) Vande Voren, Richard (Toni) Vande Voren, Steven (Rose) Vande Voren, Allen Vande Voren, Linda (Aubrey) McDonald, Barbara (Lee) Howard; 15 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Donna) Murphy, James Van De Vooren, Vern (Sherry) Van De Vooren; special friends Lillian and Marlene; nieces nephews and many friends. A service to celebrate the life of Arlene will be held on Monday morning at 11:00 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Van't Hof Chapel, 851 Leonard NW. Burial will be in Plainfield Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet her family at the funeral chapel on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.