Mary Carlson

Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Mary Carlson was a gift in the lives of so many around her. It was easy to see that faith was the foundation on which her life was based, and she exemplified what it looks like to be a woman after God’s own heart. There was no greater joy in Mary’s life than the moments spent with her family, and she was so proud to witness her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of loved ones who made her so very proud. Deeply loved, she will be forever remembered.

The 1930s were among the most trying years our nation has faced as the entire decade was held firmly in the grip of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, yet cities, communities, and families came together to weather the storm however they could all across our great land. Despite the trials around them, Jay and Marena “Irene” (VandenBout) Rademaker were able to shift their focus to an exciting time in their lives as they announced the birth of the baby girl they named Mary Eileen on September 26, 1934. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she was the youngest of five to be raised in the family home on Shirley Street, NE, joining her older sisters, Jeanne and Mina, and her brothers, John and Rich.

For the most part Mary was a typical young girl of her generation. She and her family were members at the Netherlands Reformed Church, which is where she developed the strong roots of the faith that would be her constant companion throughout her life. As a student Mary attended Hastings Elementary School and then Creston High School. She was very social from the time she was young, and she would remain social and outgoing for the rest of her life. Mary’s warm and outgoing demeanor meant she made many friends, and a friend of Mary’s was a friend for life.

After graduating from Creston High School, Mary started working as a secretary and used those skills in various businesses over the years. Mary spent some time working for Aetna Insurance and later for an appliance service center. Later, she returned to insurance, working for Gobel Insurance and then for many years for Dave Zylstra Insurance.

It was while working for the appliance service company that Mary met Richard “Dick” Carlson, and he was her boss. They dated for three months before marrying at the home of their minister, Rev. Lamain. Together they raised five children including Debbie, Dan, Lisa, Rich and Randy. Mary was active in the lives of her children as she was there to offer her love and support and also to have fun with them. Their family home was on Leonard Street, and this was the place she called home for more than 50 years. As someone who was sharp and intelligent, Mary helped them with their homework when needed. They enjoyed several family vacations over the years including camping. For many years the Carlsons rented a cottage in Dick’s hometown of Leland. There, they were able to spend time with his parents as well as enjoy time spent on the lake. Mary’s skills in the kitchen were fantastic but hosting during Thanksgiving and Christmas was where she really shined as she created beautiful holiday meals. For these celebrations she pulled out all the stops including the good china and meals eaten in the formal dining room.

Social by nature, Mary kept up with others by talking on the phone on a regular basis. She was an active volunteer with both her church congregation and Plymouth Christian School, and she helped care for her parents for years when they moved into the house next door. In her spare time, she could often be found reading. Mary additionally enjoyed planting flowers in her yard in the spring, and she especially liked daffodils.

During their retirement years she and Dick continued to maintain an active lifestyle for many years. They took several trips including out West and to Alaska, Bahamas, Jamaica, and Mexico among many others. Mary’s favorite trips may have been the car trips out West. They also spent a week each month at their house in Leland, which was something they did for several years. Mary and Dick enjoyed keeping up with their grandchildren. She took an interest in knowing what was happening in the individual lives of each of her grandchildren. About two years ago they moved a couple of miles to live next to their son and daughter-in-law, Rich and Nancy. Just this past January Mary’s health began to decline, it was in her home that she was able to draw her last breath.

All who knew Mary Carlson would agree that she was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She worked hard in everything she did, but she also took the time to enjoy life along the way. Mary took her roles as wife and mother to heart, but she just might have argued that nothing was better than becoming a grandmother and great-grandmother later in life. Through the life she lived each day she exemplified what it means to be the hands and feet of the Lord she loved. Although she will be deeply missed, Mary leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Mary Carlson, age 86 of Grand Rapids, passed away May 4, 2021. She is survived by her husband, Richard; their children Debbie & Dan Baldwin, Dan & Laurie Carlson, Lisa & Jim Bleeker, Rich & Nancy Carlson, Randy & Karen Carlson, 21 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; sister, Jeanne Rice; brother, John Rademaker; sister-in-law Flo Rademaker, brother-in-law Owen Carlson, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her infant son, Duane Lords; her sister, Mina Van’t Hof; and brother, Rich Rademaker. Her funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 8 at 11 AM at Heritage Reformed Congregation, 540 Crescent Street NE where friends may visit with her family on Friday from 3-5 and 6-8 PM and on Saturday from 10 – 10:30 AM. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Heritage Reformed Congregation are appreciated. To read more about Mary’s life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.heritagelifestory.com