Laurie Louise Bialik

Laurie Louise Bialik, age 72 of Grandville, passed peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior around sunset on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 after battling Alzheimer’s. Laurie was preceded in death by her parents Claude and Kate Root, and sisters Claudeen Blastic and Janet Cook. She will be remembered by her devoted and loving husband of 51 years, Roger Bialik; children Nate Bialik, Katrina (Robb) De Kleine, and Leslie (Matt) Kelsey; 10 grandchildren; siblings Therese (Fred) Bruso and Everett (Lisa) Root; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Laurie was full of life and energy, and she took joy in all children (especially her children and grandchildren) and music (loving children’s music). Her fondness for children led her to study education, where she met the love of her life, Roger, in her final semester at Western Michigan University. Laurie spent 25 years teaching, starting her career teaching 5th/6th grade and spending most of her career teaching Young 5s/Kindergarten. For a period, she stepped back from teaching to be with her young children, while also running an in-home daycare. Laurie’s Catholic faith was important to her, sharing her faith with her family and actively engaging in church activities. Laurie put her Christian faith in action, volunteering with many organizations close to her heart, and she was a force to be reckoned with when passionate about something.

In her retirement years, Laurie enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, traveling with Roger, visiting their cottage, and gardening. She loved reading her many children’s books with her grandchildren, a skill which was preserved well into her Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Laurie generously gave hugs and smiles that extended up through her sparkling blue eyes, and she is surely smiling brightly in heaven.

Visitation with friends and relatives will be held from 6-8 p.m., with Rosary at 7:30 p.m., on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at Cook Memorial Chapel (East Building), 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. A celebration Mass of Laurie’s life will commence 11 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2025, with visitation one hour prior to the service, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville, MI 49418. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Interment will be at Georgetown Cemetery.

In honor of Laurie and her caregiver, Roger, the family asks you to consider offering respite to a homebound caregiver when the opportunity arises. A thoughtful activity and your time can provide the break they desperately need, as caregivers often struggle to prioritize their own well-being. The family deeply appreciates the support of friends during this time and welcomes memories and messages at www.cookcaresgrandville.com in their guest book online.