Margaret Vander Boon

As friends and family will certainly attest, Margaret Vander Boon possessed a contagious joy that brought light and laughter to every room she walked into. She was a constant source of strength through all the ups and downs of life, remaining firm in her steadfast faith. Nothing brought Margaret greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, and she deeply cherished every moment spent with her precious family and friends. Her generosity was limitless, and her servant’s heart allowed her to touch so many lives for the better. So dearly loved, Margaret will be forever missed and remembered by those who knew her best.

The late 1920s were undoubtedly some of the most influential years in history for the United States. The Roaring 20s, as the decade is known, brought vivid innovation to the nation. Motion pictures in color and sound came to life on the silver screen, and ballroom dancing was wildly popular as well. During this exciting time, John and Cora (Baas) Van Ree of Grand Rapids, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their firstborn baby. On October 26 of 1927, the couple happily welcomed their daughter, Margaret, into their arms.

A typical girl of her generation in many ways, Margaret enjoyed a wonderful childhood. She was raised on the family vegetable farm on Eastern Avenue alongside her three younger sisters, with the airport right on the backside of their property. Margaret’s father, John, supported the family by running the farm. Throughout her formative years, Margaret attended local schools, including Seymour Christian and Grand Rapids Christian High. Following high school, she went to work in the office at International Tractor Company, eager to see what the future held.

It was while she was still in school that Margaret met John Vander Boon, the young man who would quickly capture her heart. Both of their families attended the Netherlands Reformed Church, and Margaret and John first connected while singing in the church choir. Margaret and John dated for a time, but they were forced to spend some years apart while John served in the United States Army. Once he returned home, the couple picked up where they left off, and the rest was history. Deeply in love and devoted to one another, Margaret and John were married on April 6, 1949. The newlyweds then settled into their home on Grand River Drive, where they would spend the rest of their lives together.

Before long, Margaret’s family began to grow. She and John were overjoyed to welcome their three beloved children, Sandy, Sharon, and Randy, into their hearts and home. Margaret fully dedicated herself to her role as a mother. She thrived as a hardworking stay-at-home mom and kept a neat, tidy house. Margaret was an amazing cook as well, and she spoiled her family with her delicious pies and banket. Each summer, the Vander Boons enjoyed spending a week at Spider Lake near Traverse City, Michigan. Even though she enjoyed this time, Margaret was a homebody at heart and found great contentment in simply being with her husband and children at home.

All who knew Margaret can surely agree that she loved her routines. Each day had a structure of its own, and she also loved visiting her parents every Saturday and stopping at Her Tiz or Kewpees on the way. For many years, Margaret enjoyed playing softball in Ada. A provider to her core, she prided herself on sewing and making clothes for her kids when they were young. She discovered a love for knitting and would make personal gifts to give away. Once her children were grown and out of the house, Margaret was able to nurture her creative spirit and would often create paintings of animals, birds, or country scenes. She filled her free time writing thoughtful cards to friends and members of her church family as well.

Later in life, Margaret was thrilled to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother. She adored having her grandkids around, and she took every chance to dote on her family. Following John’s accident, Margaret was a powerful role model of sacrificial love, becoming a primary caregiver and activity coordinator for him until he passed away in 2022. She enjoyed a few more years of independence before moving into Rest Haven in order to receive more support.

With a journey that spanned times of peace and war, plenty and want, struggle and boundless joy, Margaret Vander Boon remained kindhearted, compassionate, and gracious through it all. She faced every challenge that came her way with determination and grit. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Margaret’s family was truly her greatest treasure. Her selflessness was exemplified in the way she went above and beyond to serve others, impacting all those around her in ways big and small. Although she is already so greatly missed, Margaret leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will be proud to carry on in her footsteps.

Margaret Vander Boon, age 98 of Grand Rapids and longtime resident of Ada Township, passed away April 19, 2026. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, John, in 2022; Ruth Boluyt and Jane Boluyt.

She is survived by her children Sandy Langerak, Sharon VanderBoon, Randy (Nancy) VanderBoon; grandchildren Erik (Abigail) Langerak, Heather (Russell) Dykema; Darci (Luke) Hoover, Darren (Emily) Vander Boon, Kara Vander Boon; great-grandchildren Lilliann, Annelise, North and Wyatt Dykema, Rowan Langerak; sister, Carol Averill; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Ann Vlastuin, Connie (Ed) Brown, Marie (Gerritt) Rozeboom, Abe (Sandi) Vander Boon; as well as many nieces and nephews

Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 11 AM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Van Strien Creston Chapel, 1833 Plainfield Ave NE. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 21 from 6-9 PM and on Wednesday beginning at 10 AM. Interment in Ada Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial contributions are suggested to Rest Haven Homes. To read more about Margaret, to share a memory or photo or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com