Mary Jane Kooiman

Mary Jane Kooiman was a caring, generous, giving woman. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother who took pride in raising her children in a disciplined yet loving home. She was a faithful Christian who used her gifts throughout her life in the service of others.

Born on March 7, 1923 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to George and Maude (Bastiannse) Eppink, Mary Jane was the second oldest of five children. Her parents worked hard to raise Mary Jane and her siblings: George Jr., Joan, Marvin, and Robert. George made his living in the roofing business, while Maude stayed home to care for the children. During Mary Jane’s early years, times were good, both economically and in all areas needed to raise a family. These years were known as the “Roaring Twenties” because of the prosperous times and broadening opportunities for women. Mary Jane used her fun-loving personality to win friends in the thirteen different schools she attended as a child. She spent her last two years at Comstock High School, graduating in 1939. She decided to further her education at Manistee School of Nursing where she trained as a licensed practical nurse.

After graduating from Nursing School, she found employment at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1944. When she wasn’t working, Mary Jane did find time to go out and have fun. One day, while on a hay ride, her brother, Marvin, introduced her to a young man named Alvin Kooiman. Alvin was definitely smitten with Mary Jane since he agreed to go roller skating with her the following week knowing he couldn’t skate! The two knew that they were meant for each other and after six months of dating they tied the knot on March 2, 1945 at the Seventh Reformed Church.

Mary Jane and Alvin began their married life together in a rented house in Tallmadge for ten dollars a month. Later they built a small 20x30 ft house at Lincoln and Kenowa. Since the bank would only loan money for the building of chicken coops but not houses, the young couple decided to build a chicken coop and move right in! They raised their brood of four wonderful children: Jim, Karilyn, Sandra, and Malvin, each one having the distinction of starting life in a chicken coop! Later they moved to 16th Ave in Marne, living there for thirty years before moving to Allendale.

These were busy times for Mary Jane; not only was she taking care of the children, but she also held an outside job as a nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital. Later she worked for Beacon Light Nursing Home in Marne and finally at Brookcrest Nursing Home in Grandville where she advanced to supervisor before retirement. Mary Jane also taught Sunday School at Remembrance Reformed Church where they were charter members from the 1950’s.

In her spare time Mary Jane loved crafting, working puzzles and sewing, even instructing others in sewing for 4H. She enjoyed games and playing cards, especially with family and friends. She also enjoyed playing gospel hymns on the organ and piano, but only privately. When they could Mary Jane and Alvin packed up the kids and headed out for rest and relaxation at a favorite campground.

After retirement, Mary Jane and Alvin had a chance to sight see and travel. They bought a motor home and visited forty-nine states in the U.S. They also had homes at Sandy Pines and Zephyrrhills, Florida that they enjoyed for many years. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Mary Jane served on a chapel committee at Sandy Pines and volunteered her time at the Christian Rest Home in Florida. She and Alvin also spent ten years on organized mission projects for Sower, Michigan 29ers and Volunteers on Wheels. She and Alvin were honored when they were chosen as King and Queen at the County Air Village in Florida where they had their trailer.

Mary Jane’s generosity extended to family members as well as those outside the family. Her son-in-law Mark remembers a time during dinner when he kept eating and eating the bluegill that they had been invited to eat. After eating about fifty fish (by Mark’s count), Mary Jane never said a word, she just kept frying up more fish! She also kept a fresh supply of strawberries when Sandra and Mark made a visit to Florida, knowing that they were Mark’s favorite.

In recent years Mary Jane began to have trouble with her heart, having a valve replacement which did not go as expected.

Mary Jane was a strong individual, both mentally and physically. She was a perfectionist and a disciplinarian who expected the best from her children and grandchildren. She was also a generous, giving person who spent her life living out her Christian ideals in service to others. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

KOOIMAN, Mrs. Mary Jane Kooiman, (Eppink) of Allendale went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, June 25, 2008. She was preceded in death by her brothers, George of Texas, Marvin and Robert of Michigan, great granddaughter Alexa Kooiman, in-laws, Gerald Gritter, Harry Haisma, Jr., John and Ruth Kooiman. She is survived by her husband of 63 years , Alvin Jay, her children, Jim and Eunice Kooiman of Marne, Karilyn Kooiman of Caledonia, Sandra and Mark Farmer of Wyoming, Malvin and Hyla Kooiman of Newaygo; 6 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren; her sister Joan Gritter and her sisters-in-law, Marge and Teria Eppink, June DeVries, Ruth Haisma and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Monday at 11AM at Remembrance Reformed Church, 4575 Remembrance Rd NW with interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Friends may meet the family on Saturday from 7-9PM and on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9PM at Heritage Lifestory Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr NW. Memorial contributions to the Camp Geneva, 3995 Lakeshore Drive North, Holland, Mi 49424, Cranhill Ranch, 14444 – 17Mile Rd, Rodney, Mi 49342 or the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated. To read Mary’s lifestory, archive a memory or photo or sign the online guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.comaude