Kathryne McGarr

It was in Kathryne McGarr's nature to give and expect nothing in return. Generous and kind to those who knew and loved her, Kathryne was a driving force behind the family she dearly loved. She possessed a wonderful moral compass, and set a good example for her children and grandchildren to live by. With quiet faith, she was a humble woman whose gentle and kind ways will live on in the hearts of many.

By 1932, America's economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to just over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many struggled to keep their families fed, a roof over their heads, and a dime in their pockets. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. For Enoch and Mary (Olson) Hedquist of Cadillac, Michigan, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their little girl, Kathryne Leah, born on January 18, 1932.

Young Kathryne's father worked as a representative for a shoe manufacturer while her mother, a homemaker, remained at home with Kathryne and her older sister, Marcella. They, together, grew up in the family's Cadillac home where many fond memories were made. They were members of the Swedish Lutheran Church in Cadillac which meant a great deal to them. With little family nearby, Kathryne's family shared a devoted friendship with the local Swedish community, especially in Cadillac and a few in the Muskegon area. These relationships provided much for Kathryne and her family, and these special people in their lives were viewed as an extension of family.

When it came to vacations, the Hedquist family often traveled to see family members who lived in other cities. When Kathryne's sister moved to Detroit, Kathryne truly enjoyed visiting her big sister. In all, Kathryne held close many childhood remembrances. At an early age she enjoyed reading which she continued to love. And as a young child, she fondly remembered sitting on her father's lap while he played cards in the back of the shoe store. Afraid of water her whole life through, she very much disliked swimming, but loved to roller skate as a child. Bremer Street in front of their house always gave way to pleasant times. The road was very steep, and had to be closed during the winter months because the cars couldn't make it up the hill. When closed, it was used as a sliding hill which made for fun-filled times for all the neighborhood children.

During her youth, Kathryne also loved going to the movie theatre and would remain there from the time they opened until the time they closed. Kathryne attended McKinley Elementary School and on to Cadillac High School. There she excelled in bookkeeping and accounting classes, and also participated in dance activities. During high school, Kathryne met the young man who won her heart, William McGarr. She went on to graduate in 1950, and after dating for several years, she and William were blessed in marriage in January of 1954. They honeymooned at Niagara Falls before returning home to begin their new lives together.

As a young couple, they lived in Traverse City for several years, and then moved to Rockford in 1959. In the early 1960s they moved to Grand Rapids into a house at 109 Montrose Street NE, and in 1970 they moved to Comstock Park where 4881 Stoney Creek became their family home. Kathryne and William's lives were made complete when blessed with a family of their own. Nothing made Kathryne happier than becoming a mother to Cheryl and Terence. She made a good home for her family where love was unconditional. They raised their children in faith, and for over 50 years she was a devoted member of United Methodist Church on Plainfield.

At least once a week, Kathryne picked her children up from school for a McDonald's lunch which was always a treat. Trips to Roger's Plaza was an adventure each time when Kathryne gave each of the kids a dime to spend. It was their time to do as they pleased - even if it took hours. She also took them to the library often, and they also watched many, many Disney movies together.

Kathryne worked out of the home for a number of years for the Grand Rapids Public Schools at Central High School, and worked for several area banks. She served as a clerk at Plainfield Department Store, and was a bookkeeper for Baker Furniture for a time.

Among many of her favorite things, Kathryne collected various forms of figurines. She also loved folk music. An avid reader, she was especially fond of mysteries by various authors. When it came to food, she liked it all except seafood. If it could swim, she didn’t like it! Everyone loved her great, baked cinnamon rolls, bread pudding, and she made the best ham and pot roast dinners.

Kathryne's family always vacationed near Lake Michigan. Each summer her husband's job with the State of Michigan's Department of Agriculture as a fruit and vegetable inspector found them enjoying a cottage along the shore where he was stationed. Other family trips included travels to destinations such as New York, Maine, Canada, Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and to Chicago, Illinois. They also went to the Carolinas, Virginia, and Florida. They fell in love with the Sebring area of Florida but Kathryne would never agree to winter there because it was too long and far from her family.

Ever nurturing, Kathryne McGarr was unconditional in her love for others. Kathryne and Bill both volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House, Bill as a driver and she as the "Cookie Lady" who baked cookies. She will be remembered for her uncanny sense of humor, kind and gentle spirit, and nonjudgmental ways. She was a wonderful listener with whom others could confide, and never uttered a negative word about anyone. A friend of many, she was foremost a woman of her word with a humble heart and a spontaneous nature all her own. Deeply loved, she will be dearly missed.

Mrs. Kathryne Leah McGarr, age 81 of Grand Rapids, passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2013 at Metro Health Hospital. She was preceded in death by William E. McGarr, and now joins the love of her life eternally in heaven. Kathryne is survived by her children, Cheryl (Tom) Ball and Terence (Keri) McGarr; grandchildren: Jason (Emily) Ball, Kristen (James) Hoffman, Brian (Lauren) Ball, Erin (Paul) Broersma, Carly McGarr, and Michael McGarr; great-grandchildren: Waylon and Weston Ball, Katie, Bradley, Benjamin Hoffman, Isaac, Carsten and Kaylynn Ball; sister-in-law, Mary Jane Drilling; brother-in-law, Carl Watkins; cousin, Joyce (Bill) Canute; several nieces and nephews; Cadillac high school classmates and friends, and her best friend, “Winnie.”

A celebration of Kathryne's life will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013, 2:00 PM at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home-Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Avenue NE where relatives and friends may visit with her family from 1:00 PM until the service begin. To share a favorite memory and photo of Kathryn and to sign her online guest book, please visit www.lifestorynet.com.