Marie Hosten Vanderpool

A resident of Grosse Pointe for 92 years, she devoted her life to her husband, five children, and relatives. When her mother passed, and later her siblings, she became the matriarch of the extended family which included her nieces, a nephew, and their children’s families. Her biggest delight was to be entertaining and in the company of family and friends. She maintained close relationships with family members in Belgium that continue today into the third generation. Many enduring friendships and social groups brought her joy throughout the years.

At age 16 she began helping manage the family real estate investments when her father died. Following graduation from Grosse Pointe High she attended Detroit Business College. She continued managing properties while raising her active family of 5 children and continued well into her nineties. An avid traveler, she ventured throughout the United States, introducing her children to most of the national parks via road trips.  Her travels extended worldwide, including Antarctica & the Arctic Circle. She was a formidable woman with abundant energy, ahead of her time, and set a high bar for herself and her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Marie was the beloved wife of John Vanderpool, who predeceased her. She was also predeceased by her son John Vanderpool, his first wife Linda and second wife Cynthia, brother Karl Hosten, and sister Elise Hosten McGough. She is survived by her children, Marie Seamans (Ron), Julie McBride (Don), Robert (Kathy), Janet, eight grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Grosse Pointe Woods on Wednesday, January 6 at 10 am. In consideration of COVID risk and safety protocols, the mass will be livestreamed, visit www.olsos.org" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.olsos.org">www.olsos.org.  There will be no wake or gathering at this time.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make donations in her memory to the organizations that helped Marie in the later years of her life: The Helm (www.helmlife.org/donate" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.helmlife.org/donate">www.helmlife.org/donate); Catholic Charities of Southeastern Michigan Adult Day Services (www.ccsem.org/services-for-seniors/adult-day-health-services" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.ccsem.org/services-for-seniors/adult-day-health-services">www.ccsem.org/services-for-seniors/adult-day-health-services); and Angela Hospice (www.askforangela.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.askforangela.com/">www.askforangela.com).