Margaret Dole

Margaret J. Dole was a very special woman - devoted to her family and to her faith. She was a thoughtful, generous and loving wife, mother and sister, who gave selflessly to enrich the lives of her loved ones. Margaret cherished her family with all her heart, caring for them in times of need and celebrating with them in times of joy. She was both blessed by and a blessing to those she loved.

1928 was a year of firsts. In the entertainment world, the movie industry celebrated the first Academy Awards and moviegoers were enchanted with the first Mickey Mouse cartoon. To benefit mankind, penicillin had just been discovered and an iron lung respirator was used for the first time in a children’s hospital in Boston. It was also a year of firsts for Simon and Jeanette (DeGraff) VanEss of Grand Rapids, Michigan as they were anxiously awaiting the arrival of their first child. On October 27, 1928, the couple delighted in welcoming the birth of their daughter, Margaret. She was later joined by three siblings, Joanne, Marvin and James, who rounded out the VanEss household with four children.

Margaret led a typical childhood of the time, growing up in their family home at 843 Lafayette NE in Grand Rapids. Her placement in the sibling lineup meant she carried much responsibility with helping around the house and caring for her brothers and sister. Margaret learned to play the piano and organ as a child, though after breaking her hip at the age of 5, it became a little harder for her. The family was faithful members of the First Netherlands Reformed Church (which later became Heritage Netherlands Reformed Congregation), and this strong Christian upbringing would always be an important part of Margaret’s life. For education, she attended West Leonard Elementary School and graduated from Creston High in 1946. Margaret then worked as a bank teller at Old Kent Bank for a few years.

Margaret knew her future husband, Norman Dole, all of her life; they both attended the same church. The two began dating in high school, and their relationship blossomed into true love over the next few years. On October 19, 1949, in the First Netherlands Reformed Church, Margaret and Norman vowed to love, honor and cherish one another for the rest of their lives – and that is what they did! The newlyweds settled into married life together in an apartment on Straight Street. Over the next 18 months, they built a home on McKee in Wyoming, Michigan, and lived here for a while. Then, in 1957, they moved to Cummings, and it was here they would raise their three wonderful children: Kathy (1956), Jim (1957), and John (1962). To support their growing family, Norman worked at Lear Siegler and later Smith Industries, while Margaret devoted herself to the role of a mother. However, both Margaret and Norman were devoted parents, who took an active role in every phase of their children’s lives. Time together as a family was always important, and they enjoyed taking their kids camping around the state, and rented cottages on Pickerel and Hamlin Lakes, where they shared many cherished memories. They also instilled their Christian values in their family, and attended Sunday services together. Margaret was a member of the Esther Guild in their congregation. After the children got older, Margaret took a job working in the cafeteria at Union High School where she worked for 10 years.

Margaret had many interests to keep her busy, most of which centered on her family. She was a wonderful cook, and made many delicious dishes for her family over the years. Their favorites included her goulash, split pea and ham soup, cakes, cookies and homemade pies. Margaret loved to knit afghans and baby blankets, and she learned to do ceramics, crafting many beautiful figurines for family and friends. In her quieter moments, she loved to read historic novels and biographies. Above all, though, Margaret loved spending her time being a wife and mother to the people who brought her life immeasurable joy.

In March 1991, Margaret suffered a severe heart attack, which her doctors didn’t think she would survive from. By God’s grace, Margaret made a full recovery and continued to live life to its fullest. For the last 3 years, however, her health began to decline and she really slowed down. During this time, her beloved husband Norman was vigilant in caring for her, along with her children. Margaret peacefully passed away in her sleep early Friday morning, March 11, 2011, at her home.

Margaret Dole will be fondly remembered for her faithfulness and her deep commitment to her family. She will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Margaret was preceded in death by her brother, James VanEss. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Norman Dole; her children, Kathy Lynn Dole, James Dole and John Dole; her sister and brother, Joan (John) Harding, Marve (Betty) VanEss; her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Pauline and Don Deater, Larry Dole, Teria Eppink; several nieces and nephews and many friends.

A service to celebrate Margaret’s life will be held on Tuesday, March 15, at 11:00 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Foppe VanderZwaag officiating. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Monday, March 14, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in her memory may be made to Heritage Netherlands Reformed Church or Plymouth Christian School. Please visit Margaret’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you may share a memory, upload a picture and/or sign her online guest book.