Honoring Tradition.
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Kay Faasse

March 14, 1925 - June 6, 2022
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Thursday, June 9, 2022
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Visitation

Friday, June 10, 2022
10:00 AM EDT
Seventh Reformed Church
950 Leonard Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Service

Friday, June 10, 2022
11:00 AM EDT
Seventh Reformed Church
950 Leonard Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Edison Christian Foundation
1000 Edison Ave
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Seventh Reformed Church Radio Fund
950 Leonard Street NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Loving, compassionate, and loyal, Katherine "Kay" Faasse lived a life rich in faith and family. A child of the Great Depression, Kay was full of life, compassionate and determined. She confidently met each day as a gift and cherished every moment. Kay embodied the principles of her faith and was a role model for all who were blessed to know her. Devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Kay will long be remembered and ever so missed.

1925 proved especially prosperous with the advent of many remarkable debuts, including the dedication of Mount Rushmore, the opening of the first Sears Roebuck store, the first issue of the New Yorker and broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry, the founding of Chrysler Corporation and the publishing of The Great Gatsby. This vibrant time grew even more special in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as Jacob and Sadie (Sytsma) Haadsma welcomed their daughter Kay into their hearts and home on March 14, 1925.

Growing up on Leonard Street, Kay's childhood established a firm foundation for the rest of her life. Kay's parents centered their family on the values of faith, family, and hard work. Her father was a sheet metal worker for local heating companies, and her mother was a stay-at-home mom. The fifth of the six Haadsma children, Kay enjoyed the good company of her siblings. Along with Pearl, Art, Stew, Jerry, and Millie, Kay spent plenty of time at Richmond Park and loved spending time at Grandpa Sytsma's farm. Most of the kids played musical instruments, and Kay fondly remembered her dad playing the piano to wake them up. Regardless of the hardships they faced during the Depression, family mealtimes were happy times that always ended with Bible reading and prayer.

The family attended Seventh Reformed Church, where Kay would be a member all her life. Kay's parents gifted her with strong examples of how to live a faith-centered life observing her mother many times on her knees in prayer. Her dad was an easygoing man, humble with a kind spirit. Kay gave her life to the Lord as a teenager. She loved her church community which shared a major part of her life.

Kay's education included attending Widdicomb, West Leonard, and Harrison Park schools, and was a graduate of Union High School. As a teenager, Kay loved spending time with her many friends, enjoying time at camp being awarded the prestigious title “of camp queen”, trips to Grand Haven and Holland beaches, and working to earn her own money at Buttercup Bakery. After graduating with the class of 1943, she attended Western Michigan University, then returned to Grand Rapids, where she worked as a clerk at City Hall.

While ice skating on Soft Water Lake, Kay was blessed to meet her future husband, Robert "Bob" Faasse. After dating for two years, the couple married on December 31, 1949, at Trinity Methodist Church in downtown Grand Rapids. After returning home early, to escape the bitter winter conditions from their honeymoon in Chicago, the newlyweds settled into their first home on Pine Street NW.

In time, Kay and Bob were blessed to welcome three fine sons to their family. Kurt, Brian, and Eric quickly became the centers of their worlds, and while Bob worked in landscaping and installed TV antennas, Kay dedicated herself to being a homemaker. The boys grew up in the comforts of unwavering love and support, as well as great cooking and baking. Kay was a gracious hostess who naturally made everyone feel welcome in her home and was incredibly proud of being a lifelong west side resident.

Once the boys were teenagers, Kay found work at Jacobson's as a salesclerk. She enjoyed staying in trend with current fashions including outfitting her boys to look their best; she was perfect for the job. For 37 years, she kindly served her community with care and skill. Kay was also very involved in the church community she loved so dearly. She never hesitated to offer her time and talents, helping serve and support many church programs. One of her favorite pastimes was singing in the choir well into her 80s.

Over their 67-year marriage, Kay and Bob enjoyed many family trips to a cottage on Long Lake in Traverse City. They also traveled to Florida, the Carolinas, and the Caribbean. One of their greatest adventures was becoming grandparents. Kay loved the babies and valued each grandchild uniquely. She proudly attended their special activities and enthusiastically supported all their endeavors. Holidays, vacations, and simple days shared together were filled with cherished memories for all.

After Bob passed away in 2017, Kay was pleased to be able to stay in her own home until just a few months ago. She enjoyed keeping in touch with family and friends over a “piping hot” cup of coffee and sweet treat. There is no doubt Kay's determined spirit and passion for her faith and family will long be remembered.

Katherine "Kay" Faasse, age 97, of Grand Rapids, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, June 6, 2022. Kay was born March 14, 1925, in Grand Rapids to the late Jacob and Sadie (Sytsma) Haadsma. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Robert Faasse, and her siblings. Kay is survived by her sons, Kurt (Dawn) Faasse of Grand Rapids, Brian (Marty) Faasse of Ada, Eric (Barb) Faasse of Jenison; grandchildren, Erin (Micah) Meendering, Katelyn (Matt) Eling, Ryan Faasse, Daniel (Ally VanHekken) Faasse, Sarah (Nate) Westenbroek, David Faasse, Anne Faasse; great-grandchildren, Violet, Hazel, Eden and Esther; and many nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Friday, June 10, 2022, at 11 AM at Seventh Reformed Church, 950 Leonard St NW. Friends may visit with family Thursday from 6-8 PM at Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, and beginning at 10 AM at church. Interment will be in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Edison Christian Foundation or Seventh Reformed Church Radio Fund. To read more of Katherine's life story, to leave a memory or condolence, please visit www.heritagelifestory.com

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