Noreen Glover

Noreen Glover was an easy woman to get to know and an even easier woman to like. She was an insightfully wise lady who made herself available to listen to others. In return, she shared her opinions as well as her gift of discernment. Noreen was not only there for others as a shoulder to lean on, but also as an extra helping hand whenever she was asked or needed.

Born a year before the start of World War II, Noreen entered the world on September 29, 1938, the 2nd child born to William and Josephine (Gorniewcz) Peters. It was a time when Americans were enjoying going to the movies, playing parlor games, board games and listening to the music of the Big Bands. Franklin Roosevelt was influencing Americans on the radio with his weekly Fireside Chats. Noreen grew up with her big brother, Bill, in Grand Rapids, Michigan and had a typical childhood, often spending much of her time learning. Noreen was a good student and she had a passion for learning that shone throughout her life. She attended and graduated from Catholic Central High School.

After high school, Noreen worked at Bissel. Shortly after she began working there, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Noreen lovingly stood by her side and devoted her time to caring for her mother's needs. In time, she met a wonderful man named Melvin Glover, known to all his family and friends as Jerry. Jerry won her heart and the two spent a few years dating and then decided to get married. Jerry was a loving and caring husband who took pride in taking care of Noreen. He and Noreen made a great team and owned apartments together and together they spent time making repairs, remodeling and overseeing their business. Noreen was an independent soul and was willing to tackle just about any project that was in front of her. It was not like her to ask for help unless she had already attempted the project on her own. She and Jerry were blessed with two precious children, Patrick and Melissa. Being a mother was Noreen's top priority and she loved looking after her babies. The family always had lots of fun together and many sunny days were spent boating out on the lake. After ten significant years of marriage, Noreen lost her husband in a tragic automobile accident. His death was devastating, but with her faith in God and the support of her family and friends, Noreen found the strength to persevere.

She met a number of friends from the First Evangelical Covenant Church and some of the ladies attended Bible Study Fellowship with her. Over the years, Noreen spent lots of time with her friends, camping, playing cards, going to the movies, talking, boating and just being companions. Her friend, Sandy Price, was the one who convinced her to try camping. Noreen loved it so much that she went out and bought an RV of her own. She enjoyed hanging out with friends at the campground at Brower Park on the Muskegon River. While camping, she always tried to squeeze in some fishing. Noreen had a small boat and then moved up to owning a pontoon boat. She got up early in the morning and took her friends out fishing on the river. After fishing they just enjoyed cruising the water. The men at the campgrounds often kidded Noreen and the ladies for their boating and fishing abilities, but they were mostly impressed with their independence and skills. When Noreen wasn't camping, she was still enjoying the solitude of the outdoors. She worked hard in her yard and took great pride in her beautiful flower beds. Noreen loved animals, and enjoyed the company of her pets for many years. Cooking was not high on her list, but that did not keep her from enjoying a good meal. Dining out was always a pleasure for her. Noreen was very close with her daughter Missy and they even talked on the phone a couple times a day. Ten years ago, Missy was killed in a car accident. Losing Missy was terribly difficult for Noreen. She became quieter and more subdued. After Missy's death, Sandy took Noreen under her wing, always inviting Noreen to her family parties, holiday get togethers and dinners. She was so welcome that Noreen became a part of the family.

Noreen was a fun woman to be around. Although she would often share and talk, listening was a gift she most often gave to others. She wasn't the center of attention or real silly acting, but she had a healthy sense of humor. She loved spending time learning about people, places and things. She was an avid reader and seeker of knowledge. While not always connected to a church, Noreen had a deep faith. She was full of conviction and had great faith in God. It was her faith that helped her with her losses. That same faith also allowed her to continue to navigate despite so many challenges in life. Her greatest expression of faith was through her devotion to her friends. Noreen blessed the lives of many and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

Mrs. Noreen M. Glover, age 67 of Comstock Park, passed away November 22, 2005. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry, and by her daughter, Missy. Noreen is survived by her son Patrick; her brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Mary Peters; her best friend and "adopted" family, Sandy Price, Kathy and David Ellison, Kelly and Jim Kersjes and their children Tierney and Michael; along with many close friends. A service to celebrate Noreen's life will be held on Saturday, November 26 at 11:00a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive with Rev. John Larson officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with one another at the chapel on Friday from 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00a.m. until the time of the service. For those who wish, memorial contributions to Hospice of Holland Home are appreciated. You may read more about Noreen's life or share a favorite memory by visiting www.lifestorynet.com.