Dorothy DeMaagd

With a gracious heart and a smile that could light up every room, Dorothy DeMaagd was a warm and energetic presence in the lives of all who were fortunate enough to know and love her. She was a constant source of strength that was rooted in her steadfast faith, and she was not only courageous enough to speak her mind but to also encourage others to do the same. There was nothing that brought Dorothy greater joy than being surrounded by the friends and family members she loved so dearly. Her positive outlook on life never faltered, and her willingness to go above and beyond to serve those around her has been an inspiration to us all. Already so missed, Dorothy leaves behind a precious collection of memories that will be shared for many years to come.

The late 1920s were among some of the most exciting years to be alive in the United States of America. The “Roaring 20s,” as the decade is known, ushered in an era of great innovation, remembered for motion pictures, jazz music, and ballroom dancing. It was during this influential time that Adolph and Agnes Roys of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were celebrating the arrival of their seventh child. Their baby daughter, Dorothy Roselyn, made her entrance into the world on April 4th of 1927. She joined her six older siblings, Josephine, Stephanie, Adolph, Helen, Floyd, and Ed, in the Roys family.

Dorothy’s formative years were spent in the family home on Valley NW. Her mother was a dedicated homemaker while her father worked for the railroad and kept a large vegetable garden. As a girl, Dorothy enjoyed carefree days playing with the neighborhood kids. She began her education at Sibley Catholic School, then went on to attend Catholic Central High School. Throughout her teenage years, Dorothy was very active and was an excellent tennis player. She liked roller skating, swimming, and biking in her free time. Dorothy’s grandmother from Poland, who spoke only Polish, moved in with the family as well.

It was around this time that Dorothy met the young man who would quickly capture her heart. His name was John “Jack” VerHeulen, and Dorothy first caught his eye at group get-togethers on the Northeast side of Grand Rapids. The two began talking, and a relationship blossomed. Dorothy graduated from Catholic Central in 1945. She then went on to attend Butterworth School for Nursing for the next three years, training to become an RN. Jack went off to serve in the United States Navy. The couple kept in touch through letters, and their bond only grew stronger during their time apart. On August 13, 1949, Dorothy and Jack were united in marriage at Berean Baptist Church.

Before long, Dorothy’s family began to grow. She and Jack welcomed their first child, Jacquelyn, into their hearts and home in 1950, followed by Rob in 1953. But the joys of life also came with its moments of grief. Jack developed terminal kidney disease from an infection he contracted while serving in the Navy. Their son, Daniel, was born in April of 1957. Jack passed away just a few months later in December. Although it was difficult to be a single mother with three young children, Dorothy was determined to thrive in her role as a mother. The family was blessed to receive plenty of help from their family, friends, and church, First Netherlands Reformed.

Dorothy was fortunate enough to once again find love with Matthew DeMaagd. She was working at the hospital, and Matthew’s brother was one of her patients. Matthew’s sister dared him to ask Dorothy out, and she said yes. After two years of dating, Dorothy and Matthew were married in March of 1962. The couple would go on to spend many wonderful years together until Dorothy lost Matthew in 1990.

Later in life, Dorothy was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She loved filling her home with family on the holidays, and it brought her great happiness to pass her Polish traditions and heritage down to her grandkids and great-grands. Throughout her entire life, Dorothy remained very close with her siblings. Every year, she and one of her sisters, Helen, made a trip down to Florida. Watching her family grow and flourish was one of Dorothy’s biggest blessings.

Dorothy’s faith was her firm foundation, and it helped her persevere through all that came her way. She read her Bible daily and had an active prayer life. Dorothy was an active part of the Mental Health Players, a group that put on performances representing struggles with mental health. She was also very involved with the Advocates for Senior Issues Group, dedicated to educating senior citizens on current events and empowering them to use their voices. Dorothy loved escaping to their cottage on Intermediate Lake. She had a passion for travel as well and especially enjoyed visiting France, with her nephew David Groen as the tour guide.

In her free time, Dorothy loved being active. She enjoyed golfing, fishing, and playing volleyball. Dorothy had a green thumb and could often be found tending to her flowers. As her Polish heritage was such a key part of her, some of her favorite foods included kielbasa and red cabbage, and she liked listening to polka music. Dorothy was a regular attender of the Civic Theater. After moving into Beacon Hill in 2010, she became active in the Resident Council, and she looked forward to going for walks and visiting with friends.

When reflecting on the overflowing life of Dorothy DeMaagd, it is easy to see both her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her friends and family. She faced challenges with grace and faith that never faltered, and as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she savored each and every moment spent with those special to her. Although she will be greatly missed, Dorothy will be forever loved and cherished, and her legacy of kindness and integrity will be carried on in her footsteps.

DEMAAGD (ROYS/VERHEULEN) Mrs. Dorothy R. DeMaagd age 99, of Grand Rapids, passed away on August 7, 2026 at Beacon Hill. She was preceded in death by her husbands, John VerHeulen and Matthew DeMaagd; children, Jacqueline VerHeulen and Daniel VerHeulen; granddaughter, Lauren Pawl, and siblings, Josephine (Joseph) Kerwin, Stephanie (Les) VanPortfleet, Adolph (Margaret) Roys Jr, Helen (Martin) Groen, Floyd (Jane) Roys, and Ed (Bette) Roys. Dorothy is survived by her son, Rob (Norma) VerHeulen, grandchildren, Rachel (Tony) Thompson and their children, Josiah and Gabriela; Andrew Pawl and son, Caleb (Morgan); Kate (Andy) Thornton and children, Melanie, Claire, and Micah; Sarah Pawl Wright and children, Alina, Corrin, Josephine, Alice and Walter; Laura (Jeff) Schipper and children, Morgan, Robby and Madison; and Mary (Andrew) Kleyn and children Sydney and Dylan. Also surviving is sister-in-law, Edith Bazen and many nieces and nephews, including niece Shirley Plaska who was also a dear friend. She enjoyed traveling and spending time at the cottage on Intermediate Lake. Private family services will be held. Interment in Fairplains Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Heritage Reformed Congregation or Puritan Theological Seminary. Celebrate Dorothy’s life by sharing a favorite memory or photo on her dedicated memory page at heritagelifestory.com