Beryl Louise Haisma

When looking back on the life and legacy of Beryl Haisma, it is easy to see her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination, and she was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Beryl more joy than spending time with her loved ones, no matter how simple the moments. Her solid work ethic and dedication to caring for everyone around her impacted countless lives. Deeply missed, Beryl will be forever cherished by those who knew her best.

The late 1930s were a tumultuous time for the United States and the rest of the world. With much of the country still recovering from the Great Depression and WWII looming on the horizon, tensions were quickly reaching a boiling point. During this dark time, however, there was a ray of light for Gerrit and Dorothy (Cook) Wyma of Grand Rapids, Michigan, as they eagerly awaited the arrival of their second child. On June 13, 1938, they welcomed their daughter, Beryl Louise, into the family.

Throughout her childhood, Beryl was a typical young girl of her generation in many ways. She was raised in the family home in the North Park area alongside her older sister, Joyce. Beryl enjoyed playing ball games with the neighborhood children. From a young age, she loved hanging out with her father, raising chickens and rabbits, and riding bikes. The Wyma family often went camping, instilling in Beryl a lifelong passion for camping and the great outdoors. Growing up, she attended local schools, including North Park Elementary School and Creston High School. Beryl’s first job was at North Park Drug Store as a sales clerk. She graduated from Creston in 1956, ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Exciting changes were in store for Beryl as she met the man who would soon become the love of her life. His name was Kenneth Haisma, and the two first met after Ken spotted Beryl one day while riding around in his convertible. Before long, they began dating, and their relationship quickly flourished as they fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Beryl and Ken were married in 1957. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon spent cruising around in his red 1953 Oldsmobile convertible before settling down in Grand Rapids as husband and wife. Ken began working with his brothers at the family business, Haisma Landscaping. Then later on started AAA Window. Beryl was the office manager, answered phones, and the bookkeeper.

Of all the things Beryl loved in life, she treasured her family above all else. Over the years, she and Ken were overjoyed to welcome their four children, Dennis, Doug, Craig, and Karen, into their hearts and home. Beryl thrived in her role as a mother, and she devoted herself to tending to her home and her family. She made lunch for Ken every day, and the Haisma family made a tradition of eating dinner together every night at 5:30. Ken’s parents had a 40 acre farm that they split lots off for Ken and his siblings. Ken and Beryl built their home in 1960 near the rest of the Haisma family. The family made good use of the land and eventually built a ball field and a barn, where they hosted many parties, receptions, and family gatherings. Their home was called the Haisma compound, and Beryl made sure it was always a happy, welcoming place. Later in life, Beryl was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored her grandchildren and doted on them whenever she could, baking with them and hosting them for sleepovers. Beryl considered herself blessed to be surrounded by so many loved ones.

Throughout her life, Beryl loved camping and traveling. Ken built his own motorhome that they would use to travel, and most weekends were spent camping at Strawberry lake, Cadillac, or Silver Lake. Haisma family reunions took place every summer giving Beryl even more opportunities to camp. Every other year, she went to Petoskey to visit her family. Beryl and Ken loved to travel.

Beryl loved going to craft shows/flea markets with Ken and later with her daughter, Karen. She liked bargain shopping and finding the latest trendy items. Beryl would often spend time with old friends from North Park, and she would sometimes get together with members of the Red Hat Society. After Ken passed away in 2003, she began attending church more regularly. Beryl went to Orchard Hill Church with Craig and Sharon, and it was there that she was baptized in 2015.

Never one to sit still for long, Beryl pursued many hobbies to stay busy in her free time. She enjoyed gardening and growing flowers, and she loved working on puzzles, especially in the winter. Though cooking wasn’t her favorite pastime, Beryl prided herself on making a little go a long way. She was known for her infamous “skeet rolls.” Beryl enjoyed listening to country music and would often have the radio or TV on in the background. Every Christmas, she searched far and wide for the perfect ornaments for her grandchildren. Beryl had excellent penmanship. She took amazing care of her two beloved cats, Lucky and Bella.

As family and friends will certainly agree, Beryl Haisma truly understood the secret to living each day to the very fullest. She was a shining example of patience and kindness, and she was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. A dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Beryl was a friend to many and beloved by all who knew her. Her primary focus in life was building personal relationships with those around her. Though she will be dearly missed, Beryl leaves behind a priceless legacy of grace and resilience that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

HAISMA (Wyma) – Beryl Louise Haisma age 86, of Grand Rapids, passed away on October 7, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth and infant son. Beryl is survived by her children, Dennis (Debra) Haisma, Doug (Jackie) Haisma, Craig (Sharon) Haisma and Karen (Gerard) Fitzpatrick; grandchildren, Jorden (Jennifer), Cody (Carlye), Kendra (Matt), Kari (Sam), Jared (Kayla), Amanda (Clayton), Nick (Stevie), Kaylee, Jason, Danielle (Joe), Erica, Delanie (Jalen), Kyle (Alexa) and Shelby (Chris); and her 22 great-grandchildren. The family will receive visitors from 4-7 PM on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at Heritage Life Story – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Contributions in her memory may be made to Faith Hospice. A private family graveside service will be held in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.heritagelifestory.com to read her life story, submit a favorite memory, photo or to sign the guestbook.