We are sorry to hear of Eleanor's passing but rejoice in the knowing that our Savior will welcome her into his arms. Her smile and presence will be missed by all the ER family she embraced and embraced her.

 Posted by Stu and Annie Malafa - Rockford, MI - friend April 08, 2013

I ate more of Eleanor's cookies than I care to mention. I was always amazed at all the unusual faces that came to the Emergency Department on Wednesdays to steal my cookies. After all, I was always sure she made them just for me. 

 Posted by Scott Poortenga MD - GRAND RAPIDS, MI April 08, 2013

How blessed am I to have known and worked and loved this woman. Those chocolate chip cookies were special for me.

 Posted by MAry Ann Boom - Grand Rapids Michigan, MI - co-worker April 08, 2013

It was a very sad day today in the Butterworth Emergency Department. Eleanor you were such a huge blessing to our department for so many years. Yes we enjoyed all your cookies, but your sweet smile and funny stories always brightened our days. I will miss your hugs, smiles and humor! RIP sweet Eleanor. I'm sure you will be watching the Michigan Game tonight from heaven!

 Posted by Dawn Brown - Grand Rapids, MI - Friend April 09, 2013

In the chaos that sometimes characterizes the emergency department, it was always good to see Eleanor's smile, to sense her gentle spirit--and to be revived by those chocolate chip cookies! Her persistence in doing good for others was an example to us all. She was a good and faithful servant who now shares in the joy of her Savior's rest.

 Posted by Bob La Fleur - Grand Rapids, MI April 09, 2013

I always knew that working at the triage desk in the emergency department on Wednesdays was a special assignment...because that was the day I could work with Eleanor. Her kind and gentle manner put the patients at ease. Her efficiency put me at ease. And in between patients, I appreciated her insights on life, family, work. Those conversations reflected a lot of love and pride she had for her family...especially her grandchildren. I am a better person for having had the opportunity to work with a very special woman.

 Posted by Louise Timkovich - Grand Rapids, MI - co-worker April 09, 2013

My heart and prayers go out to you all with the passing of Aunt Eleanor. I was glad to have known her both as family, but also through 8th Reformed for years before I moved away. May the many years of memories get you all through for now, until you meet again. 
 Kathy Schuitema-Barber

 Posted by Kathy Schuitema-Barber - White Lake, MI - Family April 09, 2013

We have been blessed to have Eleanor as our neighbor for the last 29 years, and will truly miss her. All these years we have enjoyed her outgoing personality, and admired her strength of character. Eleanor was always so proud of her children and grandchildren, sharing stories with me while we sat together in lawn chairs in her driveway every summer! She went to every activity that she possibly could that involved her grand kids, and seemed to be so dedicated to the people at Spectrum Butterworth's hospital. I was always so jealous of the people who got her cookies every Wednesday! Who else but Eleanor would get up extra early to bake for others before she went to work?
 We will have some wonderful memories of your mother and grandmother, and will truly miss her. 

 Posted by Doug and Mary Redick - Neighbor April 09, 2013

I always looked forward to Wednesdays when I could work with Eleanor at triage and have a cookie(s). I would frequently be the first person to get the iconic cookie jar and take it back into the department. It was filled to the top now minus one cookie! She was an amazing example of growing old gracefully and remaining active well into her 80's. She loved baseball and would frequently talk about game highlights and her favorite players from the last game she had watched. As I was born at Grand Haven Hospital, she would love to reminisce about some of her nurses training she completed at NOCH. She adored her family and often spoke about the ritual Sunday dinners where she would cook for everyone. She kept me posted on her ever growing family tree with each edition of a great grandchild. I will truly miss her and use her zest for life as an inspiration for my own.

 Posted by Thomas McCarthy RN - Grand Haven, MI - Co-worker April 09, 2013

Eleanore, I left the Butterworth ED team over 5 years ago. Through my travels I have compared every volunteer to you--there is no comparison. You were always inspiring with your calmness and widsom, energy and smile, enthusiasm for family and sports. Prayers to your family as they adjust to life without you. I'm sure you'll be enjoying you VIP seat for the Tigers this season!

 Posted by Sharon McEvoy April 10, 2013

Marc, Deb, Jake and Judd- We are so sorry for the loss of your Mother and Grandmother. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Kathy, Hayden, Kennedy and Cameron

 Posted by The Butcher Family - Friend of Deb and Marc April 10, 2013

Sorry to hear of the loss of Eleanor. She was a wonderful person with a heart of gold. She will be missed. We will always remember her.
 Connie and Jessica (Butterworth ER)

 Posted by Connie and Jessica April 10, 2013

What a wonderful and encouraging women she was. I don't think I have a memory of her that she isn't smiling! She was such a blessing to so many....she will be so missed but in our hearts forever!
 Love & Prayers Tom & Linda Rose & Family

 Posted by Tom & Linda Rose - Wyoming, MI - Family/Church friend April 10, 2013

Just received the news in Florida of Eleanor's passing. Both Joe and Eleanor were such wonderful neighbors and were like second parents to me. She was a shoulder to cry on, someone to laugh with and have a cup of coffee. My sympathy to Eleanor's family and she will always have a special place in my heart.

 Posted by Barbara Fessell - Wyoming, MI - neighbor for 22 years April 11, 2013

I was sad to learn the news of Eleanors passing. I have worked in the ED for several years and working on a wednesday was always special as Eleanor was there with her delicious chocolate chip cookies! ( For those of us that arrived a little later in the day she saved a few cookies wrapped in saran wrap in the pocket of her volunteer coat , and I often was a recipient of one of those cookies - I thank you Eleanor!) ). I will miss her friendship, warmth, compassion, and zest for life! She truly will be missed! She was a special lady!

 Posted by Linda Johnson - Belmont, MI - Friend April 12, 2013

Last fall , on a Wednesday, when I took John to ER he was greeted by his dear cousin. What a pleasant surprise! When it was indicated that he was Eleanor's cousin, I am sure we got special service. All of the staff members mentioned the wonderful chocolate chip cookies!!
 Yesterday I again took John to ER and staff there remembered Eleanor's cookies and were saddened at her passing. Not just because of the cookies but because of the joy and happiness she always shared with everyone. 
 We will all remember that special lady with a smile!

 Posted by John and Shirley Westveer - Howard City, MI - cousin April 12, 2013

It is so sad to lose a parent. Cindy and I pray for God to comfort you and your family, Jo.

 Posted by Dan Kleymeer - Grand Haven, MI - Friend April 21, 2013

On Sunday April 7, 2013, I lost my best friend(Joellyn's) mother, I was very saddened and I will always miss her. I feel I knew her as will as I knew my own family. We had alot of good times at the movies, out to eat or just talk on the telephone, she would call me and tell me to give the tigers a kick, or that they were playing. She always had them lined up and ready to go before Jim Leland even knew that they were playing. Her children, grandchildren,great grand children,sister and brothers were a very big part of her life, I knew all the functions that were going on, she loved you all so much. I also loved her dearly and will miss her. I can assure you she's up above and very happy with her loved ones that went before her, with a big smile on her face. Thank you for my birthday card that you had ready ahead of time for me for October 5,2013, signed from your other mother, how true, you were aways ahead of the game. I will miss you MOM. Love from your other daughter, Sharon 

 Posted by Sharon Marckini - Grand Rapids, MI - Friend April 22, 2013

OBITUARY

Eleanor Vlietstra

9 July, 1924 – 7 April, 2013

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