Pearl Postmus

Pearl Postmus was a strong-willed woman who lived her life by being an example of a caring mother, devoted friend and faithful Christian. She was a constant in the lives of those who knew her, very dependable and loyal. Her quiet strength made her someone that her family looked to for support and guidance. Vibrant and caring, Pearl remained deeply committed to her family and friends and put her heart and soul into everything she did.

Though it fell within the time frame of World War I, 1916 was a year marked by many great events. While Albert Einstein worked on completing his theory of relativity, Charlie Chaplin was at the height of his fame, entertaining wartime audiences as a silent movie star. It was into this heightened world of war and laughter that Jacob and Sadie (Sytsma) Haadsma of Grand Rapids, Michigan was blessed with the birth of their first child. On August 29, 1916, they delighted in welcoming their precious daughter, Pearl Nella, into their hearts and home.

The Haadsma home would eventually ring with the joy and activity of six children, making Sadie a very busy homemaker. To support their growing family, Jacob worked as a tinsmith at Heyboer Heating and Cooling. The couple raised their children in a loving, yet poor home on Powers and Leonard Streets. The economic hardship of the Great Depression was tough on them, that meant hand-me-down clothes and few material things, but the Haadsma family was a close-knit family held fast with the things that money couldn’t buy. They still gathered together every night for dinner and had their own fun around the piano. While Pearl played, her brothers, Stuart and Jerry played the trumpet and drums, and everyone else sung along. These were happy times that stayed with Pearl all her life.

Pearl received her education in the area schools, including West Leonard Elementary, Harrison Park Middle and Union High, where she graduated in 1934. Pearl had a real bubbly, inviting personality and had many friends to show for it. She and her good friend, Dorothy Meyers, would often go around town singing, hoping to bring a smile to many faces. After graduating, Pearl got her first job at Bissell Manufacturing on the assembly line, and while here, she made another good, lifelong friend, Helen Nederveld.

After a few years, Pearl’s life took a new direction when she met Irvin Postmus through a friend of a friend. The two fell in love and were happily married in the parsonage of Rev. Minnema on May 11, 1939. Pearl was a beautiful bride in her dress, which only cost $3.75. After saying “I do”, the newlyweds settled into their first place together, an apartment on Fremont NW. They later bought a home at 1104 Fremont NW, where they would raise their two children together: Thomas Irvin (1943) and Barbara Sue (1946). After the children were born, Pearl continued to work, but only part-time at a variety of stores, including Davis Floral, the city license bureau and a men’s clothing store. Once they were grown and self-sufficient, she took a full time position as a clerk for the Purchasing Agent of Grand Rapids.

She was a great cook and baker and made many wonderful meals for her family over the years. But she could also cook for an army when she and Irvin entertained friends in their home. Tragically, Pearl lost her beloved husband Irvin in 1970 after a heart attack. Although heartbroken, Pearl was always very self-sufficient and fiercely independent, which helped her through these trying times. She also found great comfort in her many good friends and began getting out with them more. She’d go golfing and bowling and even traveled quite a bit, especially with her friend, Fran Faasse. Feisty as ever, Pearl was never afraid to try something new, and her adventurous spirit even got her up in a parasail, although the free beverage afterwards was incentive enough for Pearl. At home, she was happy with a HOT cup of coffee and some chocolate to satisfy her sweet tooth.

As time marched on and Pearl grew older, her feistiness dimmed and a sweet peacefulness settled over her, which was evident in her charming smile. But life still had some bumps in the road for Pearl, as she began suffering from symptoms of dementia and moved to the Christian Rest Home, where she received the best care for the next ten years. A woman of faith, Pearl found great reverence in her favorite song, “His Eye is on the Sparrow”, a hymn that truly touched her heart. And although her mind was not 100%, she still responded to hymns and scriptures from the Bible, never losing her strong faith. Pearl went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 6, 2008, at the age of 91.

Pearl Postmus was a loving woman who knew hard work and hard times throughout her life. Yet, it made her strong in mind and spirit, and she served as a great inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.

Pearl was preceded in death by her husband, Irvin, and three siblings: Stu Haadsma, Jerry Haadsma and Millie Harkema. Pearl is survived by her children: Tom (Karen) Postmus and Barb (David) Bol; 8 grandchildren and spouses, 25 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Art (Audrey) Haadsma, Kay (Bob) Faasse; sister-in-law, Florence Haadsma; and brother-in-law, Bob Harkema. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the Christian Rest Home for their kind and loving care over the last 10 years.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, at West Leonard Christian Reformed Church. Visitation will be at the church for one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made to the Christian Rest Home. Please visit Pearl’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a memory or photo with her family or sign her online guest book.