Marge was like a second Mom to me back in the early 80's. I was good friends with her son, Dan, and spent a lot of time at their house through Jr. high and high school.
 I couldn't begin to count the hours Dan and I spent spinning records upstairs in that house. Marge never complained too much about the music but she never hesitated to call us out on our crap when we were up to no good either. I always loved her for both of those qualities. She was always ready to whip up a snack or to welcome me to join them at the dinner table. I have fond memories of her rattling off the whole list of Dan's brothers before settling on his name when she was getting after him. If she was flustered enough, she might even throw in a sister.
 I am blessed with a great Mom, and I was also blessed and privileged to have spent much time in Marge's home. She was a great Mom too.
 Thanks Marge, Rest in Peace. May God give your family comfort in their time of mourning.

 Posted by Rob Doane - Holland, MI - Family friend June 24, 2013

Dear Rev. James VanderLaan, 
 Our Condolences and Sympathy to you Father, and all Family. Your Grandmother will be remembered in our prayer. 
 Library Staff USML Feehan Memorial Library
 

 Posted by Anna Kielian - Mundelein, IL - Rev. James/USML/Library June 24, 2013

My thoughts and prayers Katie - so sorry for your loss

 Posted by Sherry Sanders - Montrose, MI - co-worker of Katie June 24, 2013

There are never enough words to express the loss of a loved one~but know in your heart that your Mom has gone to a better place, where she is loved as she is here on earth. My prayers are with you and your family.

 Posted by Debbie Roberts - Co- worker of Katie June 24, 2013

Our daughter was blessed to marry into the VanderLaan family when she married Rob. Marje treated Katie as a daughter right away and I know Katie loved her like a second Mom. We will always remember her generosity, caring and smiling face. She was a very special woman.
 Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the VanderLaan family, and to everyone who knew and loved Marje.

 Posted by Paul and Betty Erard - Grand Rapids, MI - friends June 24, 2013

VanderLaan family, We are deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 
 Love Pat, Amy, and Carol Westcott

 Posted by Amy Westcott - grand rapids, MI June 25, 2013

I want to send my heartfelt sympathy to Don, Jenny and the whole family on the pasing of Marge.... I am so blessed and thankful to have had the oppertunity to work with her on the funeral lunches at Holy Redeemer..... I learned so much from her that would help me later on as I continued my ministry. I could stop over and just visit with her, Don, and Jenny feeling welcome every time.... May our Gracious God comfort you and give you peace at this difficult time..... prayers going up for all of you. Love in Christ our Lord, Kim Mahoney

 Posted by Kim Mahoney - Grant, MI - friend June 25, 2013

Our condolences to Steve and Pat in regards to your mom going home to the Lord on Sunday. We are so sorry for your loss. With much Love Frank and Linda Garcia. 

 Posted by linda garcia and Frank Garcia Jr. - grand rapids, MI - Friend of son and daughter in la June 25, 2013

Don, Jenny and all the family, I was saddened when my sister Jean Barker called to say she saw that Marge had passed away. We have fond memories of your trips to Ionia for the fair. You always stopped at Mom and Dad's house (John and Mary O'Connor) for a visit. Those visits were joyous times, filled with updates on the extended family and of course, many laughs about the good times in the past. Marge was generous person, eager to share a laugh or an opinion depending on what you needed! She will be missed. We are having a Mass offered in her memory. Our prayers are with all of you at this time of loss. Carol O'Connor Jean Barker

 Posted by Carol O'Connor - Clawson, MI - Relative June 26, 2013

Dear Susan and Family,
 So very sorry to hear of the loss of your Dear Mom. I have memories of sleep-overs when we went to Pinewood Elementary. I remember your Mom making us poached eggs for breakfast in the morning. I have memories of picking and eating the raspberries in your backyard. I will always remember how sweet she was to me. She was such a good Mother and I remember what a nice family you had. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
 Sincerely, Robin Berghorst Westhuis

 Posted by Robin Westhuis - Hudsonville, MI - friend June 26, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with Don and the family. I had just seen Marge at the ordination of Fr. Jim Vanderlaan. It was so good to see her after a long time. What a blessing to see her before her passing.
 I am grateful for all that she did during my 7 years as pastor of Holy Redeemer. I will always remember her fondly and with gratitude. I prayed for her at Mass this morning, the day of of her funeral.
 God bless and comfort you all and grant her eternal rest and peace.
 Fr. Tom Simons

 Posted by Fr. Tom Simons - Comstock Park, MI - friend and former pastor June 26, 2013

I am keeping prayers for the VanderLaan family in my heart these days.

 Posted by Deacon Desmond Drummer - Atlanta, GA - Seminary w/ Fr. James VanderLaan June 27, 2013

To Brother Don, Jenny and family, I first met Marge when I was 16 years old....she and Don were dating and she treated me like a little sister. I have felt close to her all of their nearly 59 years of marriage. Marge always had a smile or a laugh and a delicious dessert to share. Memories of family reunions, picnics, Christmases are to be cherished. I will miss her but knowing she is no longer suffering and that Jesus is holding her near is my comfort. My sympathy and prayers to ALL of the VanderLaan & Drake families.
 Don's 'little sister'......Veroni

 Posted by Veronica (VanderLaan) Jarmosco - Mesa, AZ - Sister-in-law July 23, 2013

OBITUARY

Marjorie Vander Vander Laan

3 June, 1932 – 23 June, 2013

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