Marcia Broekema

Although Marcia Broekema was more quiet and reserved by nature, once she was comfortable with someone she was as friendly and outgoing as they come. She worked hard throughout her life, but she also took the time to enjoy life along the way. Marcia had a quiet and personal faith, and her quiet strength was an inspiration to all who were near. Life will never be the same without her here, but she leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that those who knew her best will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

During the first half of the 1940s, the eyes of our nation were focused overseas as WWII raged on. Countless young servicemen and women answered the call to serve, and those who remained stateside became all too familiar with rationing on common goods like rubber, paper, canned goods, and coffee. Despite the events overseas, there was much to celebrate in the lives of Garrit and Margaret (Bogard) Schuur as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Marcia Lynn on April 20, 1943, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Born in the family home, her grandmother assisted with her arrival into the world as she was a midwife to her mother as well as to many other birthing mothers on the West Side at that time. One of two, Marcia was joined in her family by her brother, Terry.

In many ways, Marcia experienced an upbringing that was fairly typical for young girls of her generation. She was raised in a two story home, and together her family loved camping. Marcia and her father often played cribbage, and when she wasn't outside playing with the neighborhood kids she was playing with her baby size doll. She looked forward to her grandmother’s cooking as her grandmother always tried to make things that everyone would like. Marcia remembered her grandmother as being veer sweet and someone who made a significant impact in her life. On Sundays her father often took them out for a leisurely drive. It was while growing up that her parents gave her the most invaluable gift - faith in God. As a student Marcia attended local schools where her favorite class was music class with her favorite teacher, Mrs. Lawston. Later, she was thrilled when she got her first car, a Chevy corvette!

Life was forever changed for Marcia when she met Tom Broekema. They began dating and later fell in love. After a two-year courtship, he proposed at her house, and the two later exchanged their vows at Fairview Reformed Church. It was a beautiful ceremony where her best friend was her maid of honor. Tom and Marcia were married for several years before their marriage ended in divorce. For years she found special companionship in her black Cocker Spaniel/Springer Spaniel mix, Curly.

Throughout her life Marcia was one to keep busy. She worked hard in everything she did, and she loved bringing a smile to the face of others through her work. Her first job was as a waitress at Campus View Restaurant. There, she could always count on good tips. She also worked as a dining room hostess at Russ' Restaurant on Alpine Avenue for 25 years. This was a great fit for Marcia as she was friendly and outgoing. She was well liked by her coworkers, management, and customers alike, and she was greatly valued, too. Since she loved to walk, she often walked to and from work. For years Marcia attended Travelogue at the old Civic Auditorium, and she also took several two or three day long bus trips several different places. Also within her community Marcia was a faithful church attender at both Fairview and Orchard Hill Reformed Church, where she was a member of the choir. She always loved being around happy people, and as a music lover she especially liked Elvis. Seafoam was her favorite candy and she also liked most desserts. Marcia liked to meat and potatoes.

All who knew Marcia Broekema would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She was private when it came to her personal life, but she was also one of the most friendly and outgoing people you could ever meet. Faithful and enduring, Marcia was such an inspiration to so many around her. Deeply loved, she will be forever missed.

BROEKEMA, Marcia L., Grand Rapids, MI, Age 76, passed away December 24, 2019 at Vista Springs Northview. Marcia was born April 20, 1943 in Grand Rapids to the late Garrit and Margaret (Bogard) Schuur. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Terry Schuur. Marcia was an active member at Fairview and Orchard Hill Reformed Church where she sang in the choirs. Many will remember her smiling face and gracious demeanor as hostess at Russ' Restaurant on Alpine. Marcia is survived by several Schuur cousins. A special thank you to the staff at Vista Springs Riverside, Northview, and Spectrum Health Hospice for the loving care you provided Marcia. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 31, 2019 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends may visit with family beginning at 10 AM. Interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. Please visit Marcia's personal web page to read more of her life story, Leave a memory or condolence at www.heritagelifestory.com.