Suzanne Douma

Suzanne Douma was a woman after God’s own heart who lived her life in service to her Lord. She considered it pure joy to care for her beloved family. Suzanne was a meek and humble woman who although quiet and reserved, could provide a good laugh at times as well. Life was not without adversity for Suzanne; however, her unwavering faith was her constant companion. She enjoyed having close friendships with a select number of people rather than having casual relationships with many. A true gift to those in her life, Suzanne will be dearly missed.

John and Jessie (Fopma) Elzinga welcomed their daughter, Suzanne, into their hearts and home on January 27, 1922. Suzanne was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, as the youngest of four girls including sisters Johanna, Frances, and Clara. She was raised in the family home on the west side of the city where she attended Harrison Park Elementary and went on to Union High School through the 11th grade. It was also during her formative years that the Christian faith was established as a cornerstone in Suzanne’s life as she attended Seventh Reformed Church.

As a young woman, Suzanne met and married a man named Harold Gould. When the United States entered WWII, Suzanne’s husband answered the call to serve overseas while Suzanne awaited his return stateside. She worked in factories, assisting in the war effort by making parachutes and other needed supplies. Harold’s plane was shot down and he went missing in action, never to be found.

Although Suzanne was deeply saddened, life went on after the death of her first husband. After the war ended she was introduced to a young man named Peter Douma on a blind date. This marked the beginning of a love story that would span nearly 60 years. After falling deeply in love, the couple was united in marriage on September 11, 1947. Not long after, the couple was blessed with their first of three boys. Suzanne cared for the boys and raised them with a watchful eye. She was a natural at keeping everything organized and she exerted a tremendous amount of energy keeping her house clean, in the fashion of her Frisian ancestry. In fact, the Douma home was always spotless, just the way she liked it. Suzanne was also a wonderful cook whose specialties were the basics – like meat and potatoes, which the family shared as a big meal on Sundays. The holidays were made complete each year with Suzanne’s tasty homemade fudge and chocolate pudding. Nearly each summer, the family enjoyed visiting Peter's family at their farm in Wisconsin.

Caring for her family certainly kept Suzanne busy, but she enjoyed an active social life as well. Faith remained a vital component in her life and together she and Peter were longtime members of Orchard Hill Reformed Church. Suzanne enjoyed reading her Bible, especially during the last few years of her life. She liked reading the newspaper and tried her hand at a few crafts. Suzanne was actually quite gifted in drawing, but didn’t ever have confidence in her work. She and Peter had a small but close group of friends with whom they often gathered to talk, have coffee, or share dessert. The couple also frequently visited with Suzanne's sisters and some of Peter’s family. Later in life, Suzanne and Peter enjoyed traveling together and of course, spending time with their grandchildren when they could.

Suzanne and Peter were devastated with the death of their son, Daniel, who passed after a difficult battle with cancer. The days following his death were understandably difficult for Suzanne as well, since mothers are not made to bury their children. Suzanne was never able to fully emerge from the sadness surrounding Dan's death, and her pace slowed down after that, too. Trying times were in store again for Suzanne after the death of her husband in 2005. She remained at home for a few years, but later moved to Edison Manor. Life suited Suzanne well there as she made some friends and enjoyed the companionship of having others nearby. She also liked hearing from her grandchildren, most of whom live out of town. As her health deteriorated during the sunset of her life, Suzanne moved into assisted living where she remained for the rest of her days.

Throughout her life there were two constants for Suzanne Douma – her faith and her family. She lived a quiet life, but made a significant impact on the lives of those she held dear. Suzanne was always one to offer a kind word or a laugh as she had a quick wit that emerged when you would least expect it. A loving and gracious woman, Suzanne’s memory will be forever held near and dear to the hearts of those who treasured her.

Suzanne Douma of Grand Rapids died on August 1, 2010. Suzanne’s family includes her children, Dave (Sharon) Douma, Jim (Julie) Douma; grandchildren, Tom (Kristine), Eric (Debbie), Kimberly (Scott) Marella, Anne, Mike, Doug and Steven; 6 great- grandchildren; brother-in-law Adrian VanWyk and sister-in-law Jeannette Wiersma; and several nieces and nephews. Suzanne was preceded in death by her husband, Peter, and by her son Dan. A funeral service will be held on Friday, August 6at 11 a.m. at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes – Alt & Shawmut – Grand Rapids, MI, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with her family from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. To read more about Suzanne’s life, to share a memory or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.lifestorynet.com