Mary Lee

But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:15)

With family at the center of her heart and Christ at the center of her soul, Mary led her life with grace and kindness. Ever faithful and self-sacrificial, Mary was a devoted wife and a loving and proud mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. And with a profoundly unique flair that is “Mary Claire”, everyone in her life will remember her always.

“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

John and Matilda (Schreimer) DeVries gave birth to Mary Claire on September 29, 1942. Steeped in a rich Dutch heritage, her father beamed with pride at his red-haired little girl and paraded her around the local neighborhood from the very beginning. Mary’s particularly close relationship with her father lasted throughout his life. The oldest of three girls, Mary was joined by two younger sisters, Karen and Kathleen. They grew up in northwest Grand Rapids, MI, while her father worked as a supervisor for the IRS. As faithful members of Highland Hills Baptist Church, Mary and her siblings grew up in a home profoundly grounded in and centered on Christ.

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. (Proverbs 31:10)

During her college years at Western Michigan University, Mary studied to become a teacher and participated with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. It was there that she met the love of her life and partner in Christ, Ken Lee. They would marry at Mary’s childhood church on February 19, 1965. They began their life together in Midland, MI, where Ken worked for Dow Chemical. Later, with Mary’s encouragement, they moved to Ann Arbor where Ken attended dental school and Mary taught at Scarlet Middle School. Following Ken’s graduation, they moved to Grand Rapids where Ken established his dental practice. They ultimately settled in Grandville, where they raised their children, formed lasting friendships, and established a genuine home where anyone was welcome. Faithful, supportive, and smart, she managed both the home and the business aspects of Ken’s practice with meticulous skill. Despite her meticulousness, any observer in the Lee home could hear on a near daily basis panicked cries of “where are my keys?” and “where are my glasses?” The world stood still as Mary rummaged through a sea of papers in her home office. While Ken relied on Mary, perhaps a noble wife depends just as much on a noble husband.

Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6)

While living in Ann Arbor, Mary and Ken welcomed new sets of “bickies” with the birth of their daughter Andrea in 1971 and their son Erik in 1973. Their youngest daughter Kendra was born in Grand Rapids in 1978. Mary relished in her role as mother. Ever dedicated to her children and supportive of all of their endeavors, she would stop at no lengths – often going to the extraordinary – to satisfy her kids’ needs. All of her children would go on to become productive and accomplished adults, as well as followers of Christ. All have since married, and have had children of their own. There has been no prouder grandmother than Mary after the birth of her “Jakoboo” to her son Erik 15 years ago. Since then, six more grandkids have entered the world, and Mary was fond of boasting how she “spoiled” them all. Mary indeed leaves behind a strong legacy of family, joy, and faith.

Each of you should use whatever gifts you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10)

Mary was blessed with a wide variety of interests and talents. From early on, she had a sharp, agile mind that was particularly math-oriented. She obtained both a bachelor’s degree in education from Western Michigan University and later a Master’s degree from the University of Michigan in Guidance and Counseling. As judged by the rave reviews from many of her students, she was to become an effective and accomplished teacher at the middle and high schools where she taught, and as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University. Mary also had musical gifts. In addition to her singing skills, she could play songs on a piano at will by ear. But perhaps above all other her other gifts, Mary possessed the gift of hospitality. Her desire to share God’s love lead her to become an accomplished hostess and cook. Just ask any of the countless number of people who have great memories of meals at the Lee home.

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7)

Mary was a woman who knew and depended on God’s grace. In her own times of trials, Mary sang and cried to God for strength and comfort. When friends around her were struggling, Mary carried their burdens, often to the point of mental and emotional anguish. She truly felt the pain of others. Such a degree of empathy even carried over to events such as University of Michigan football games! When the boys in blue were losing or worse yet close to losing, she could never bear to watch as she literally developed physical pain!

Every word of God is flawless; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. (Proverbs 30:5)

Mary’s participation with and commitment to the church and various faith ministries was a huge source of refuge and strength to her. All her friends at First Evangelical Covenant Church were like a second family. Many memories were made serving in her church and various organizations including Mothers of Preschoolers, Pioneer Girls, Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Young Life, Covenant Women, and others. She was an eager missionary on several occasions, and she was a constant presence in Bible studies. She did not feel complete unless she was immersed in the Word at every stage of her life.

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. (Luke 12:48)

Drawing from her conservative Dutch upbringing, Mary understood the value and blessings of God’s bounty. She worked tirelessly and self-sacrificially to save, invest, and pinch every penny she came across. She saw this not only as an obligation to her family and heritage, but also as a directive from God. Mary never shied away from hard work and always dove head-on into challenging circumstances. The result is that Ken and Mary have been able to build their dream house in Grand Haven on Lake Michigan, and they have owned a beautiful second home in Florida. Now, there is a constant flow of friends, family, and good times at the Lee homes. Mary treasured this even in what were to be her final days on earth. But as important and meaningful as these places and events were to Mary, even more prominent was Mary’s desire to donate her treasure to the causes closest to her heart. Her frugality and financial stewardship enabled her to give generously and consistently to countless Christian organizations.

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

How do you describe a lifetime, a precious child of God, in words and paragraphs? Mary was kind, loving, caring, compassionate, faithful, funny, thoughtful, and dependable. Her unmatched physical beauty and bold charisma were special gifts that enabled Mary to light up a room with just a smile. Her deep compassion for the feelings and needs of others, her pure humility in serving the Lord, and her patience – not so much on the road, but for sure with her children – were special gifts to be cherished forever. (Now that she’s been ribbed about her driving, she is no doubt telling us all to “Get a life!!!” as she so often did.)

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

Mary Claire is gone from us now. She will be missed greatly and her legacy will surely live on with those she left behind. But even more surely, we know where she is and how we will be with her again.

Mrs. Mary Claire Lee, aged 67, of Grand Haven, MI, formerly of Grandville, went to be with her Lord on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at her home. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Tillie DeVries. She is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Dr. Ken R. Lee; her children, Drs. Andrea and Daniel Hume, Dr. Erik and Brooke Lee, Kendra and Jamie Tait; her seven grandchildren, Jakob, McKenna, Kami, Nathan, Alex, Allie and Noah; her sisters, Karen and Rev. David Forbes, Kathy and Jack Phillips; many nieces, nephews, and friends. A service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held on Monday, October 26, 2009, 11:00 AM at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 1933 Tremont Blvd. in Grand Rapids. Relatives and friends may meet her family at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM, and at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the service begins. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to Africa Inland Mission for the Ada Bible Institute. To read more about Mary’s life, to sign her online guest book, and to leave a memory of her, visit her web page at www.lifestorynet.com.